James “Jimmy” Daniel Ramsey, Jr. Obituary

James Daniel Ramsey, Jr., 93, of Keysville, Virginia, departed this life on March 15, 2023.  He was preceded in death by his devoted wife of 65 years, Lee “Skee” Hanmer Neal Ramsey; his son, Thomas Hanmer Ramsey; an infant son; and his sister, Carolyn Gay Ramsey Jolly. 

He is survived by his children James Daniel Ramsey, III, of Houston, Texas, and Katherine Electa Ramsey, of Glen Allen, Virginia; his grandchildren, Zachary Thomas Ramsey, of Ashland, Virginia, Jessica Lee Ramsey, of Richmond, Virginia, and Matthew Hagop Pierre Roose, of Charlotte, North Carolina; and his niece and nephews, Leigh Ann Jolly Mason, Thomas Scott Jolly and Berkley Daniel Jolly.

Known to friends and family as “Jimmy,” “Poopa” or “Paw-paw,” he was born in Madisonville, Virginia, on April 16, 1929, and developed an appreciation for the simple things in life while growing up on the family farm during the Depression.  He graduated from Randolph-Henry High School, then attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute as a member of its Corps of Cadets.  During the Korean War, he was called to serve on the front lines, where he was soon promoted to first lieutenant and assumed command of the U.S. Army’s Company D, 180^th RCT, 45^th Division.  He was awarded a Bronze Star for meritorious service.  

Upon returning to the United States, and motivated by his desire to return to Keysville to marry his high-school sweetheart, Skee, Jimmy completed the final three years of his college education in 18 months, earning a B.S. degree in Business Administration.  In addition to spending many, many hours in his beloved garden to produce fresh vegetables for his family and friends, Jimmy ran Neal’s Furniture and devoted himself to serving his church and community.  He was a volunteer on the Charlotte County Rescue Squad and the Keysville Fire Department.  He also served as Keysville Town Clerk for many years, and was later elected as mayor of Keysville for several terms.  He was also an active member of the Charlotte County Board of Supervisors and many other community-related boards and committees.  Above all else, Jimmy was a faithful member of Keysville United Methodist Church and served as its Treasurer for many years. 

As anyone who knew Jimmy well will readily attest, he was happiest when getting to know new people, riding his tractor or saving a penny.  But above all else, he was a kind, decent and unassuming man who was always willing to help anyone in need.  He was a natural leader who took it upon himself to solve problems and improve his community.  He will be greatly missed, but remembered by many.

A graveside service was held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at Ash Camp Memorial Cemetery in Keysville. The family received friends at the Browning-Duffer Funeral in Keysville on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to Alzheimer’s Association, Good Samaritan Ministries, (Richmond, Virginia) or Special Olympics Virginia (Area 31). 

The Browning-Duffer Funeral Home in Keysville, Virginia is serving the family.