JAMES WAYNE RATZLAFF transitioned from this earth to Heaven on Sunday, March 13, 2016, at the age of 78. Jim was born in Goessel, KS on July 27, 1937, to Abe and Rachel Ratzlaff. He graduated from Monument High School, Monument, KS in 1955, and from LeTourneau College, Longview, TX in 1964. There he earned a B.S. in Construction Technology, which he used throughout his years building homes, developing land and managing his properties. Besides being a builder, he was also a farmer, pastor and world traveler. Jim was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and a son of God intent on spreading the good news of salvation through Christ. Jim was married to JoAnn Kay Leichliter of Atwood, KS from 1958 until her death in 1995. Through that marriage, he is survived by three children, Penny Nelson, CO, Barry Ratzlaff, CA and Jennifer Crigger, AL; nine grandchildren, Melissa, Cameron, Elizabeth, Allison (in heaven with Jim), Jackson, Harrison, Wilson, Cooper, and Beckett; three great-grandchildren, Landen, Bryce and Phoenix. Jim was blessed to marry Phyllis Mae Ratzlaff in 2000. He and Phyllis have been a part of Countryside Christian Church and have enjoyed traveling, including a trip to Israel with the church and singing in the choir. Jim is survived by Phyllis and her three children, Dana Ackles, D.R. Jesse and Stephen Jesse, NE; seven grandchildren, Ashley, Mercedes, Ethan, Alana, Gracie, Karsen and Reese. Jim's surviving sisters are Elaine Becker, OR, Imogene Berg, KS, and Jeannette Sowers, KS. In lieu of flowers, make donations to the Countryside Christian Church to benefit the choir. Celebration of Life service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, March 18, at Countryside Christian Church, 1919 S. Rock Rd., Wichita, KS 67207. Baker Funeral Home Valley Center has charge. Condolences may be left for the family at www.bakerfhvc.com