In loving memory of
James "Jim" Paul Radtke
March 19, 2020
James "Jim" Paul Radtke, 77, of Youngstown, Florida passed away peacefully of Alzheimer's disease on March 19th, 2020 in Cumming, Georgia in the presence of his loving daughter.
Jim was born in Detroit, Michigan to Carl Jacob Radtke and Olive Lucille Haigh. He grew up in Warren, Michigan with his two younger brothers (Richard and Fred) and sister (Jane) and a house full of cousins. They loved the outdoors and spent much of their days fishing, hunting and playing. He loved horses, a passion that carried him throughout his years.
Jim graduated from Warren High School in 1960; and in 1962 he joined the United States' Air Force as a meteorologist and served across the world from Vietnam to Europe to Japan. The ultimate professional, he inspired many and was respected by everyone. Jim retired in 1990 as a Senior Master Sargent after 28 years of service to our nation. From that day on, he always had two hats ready to go - his trusty cowboy hat and a "Retired U.S. Air Force" baseball cap.
It was during his time in the Air Force that he met a beautiful young woman named Felicia Mosene Conley and married her in October 1968. They had two children and four grandchildren. Family was a cornerstone to Jim, and he was very proud of his daughter, Betsy, and his son, Paul. He was THAT guy, who would take up the sidelines with the video recorder capturing every last sprint, swim, or basket trying to stay in frame while cheering them on. Jim and Felicia retired to a farm in Florida where they had two horses, a few dogs, three cats, and an occasional stray gopher.
Jim was a voracious reader and student; and really enjoyed history and suspense. Holder of vast knowledge, he would never hesitate to engage you in a debate. He liked when you took strong positions on a topic; and would be the first to admit that he was always right!
If Jim wanted to be remembered for anything, it would be that he was a loyal husband, raised two great children, served our nation through both war and peace, and made the lives of many much richer. He is missed!
He is survived by his children Betsy (Matt) and Paul (Amy); his grandkids Megan, Jacob, Skylar and Grayson; his brothers Richard (Linda) and Fred (Paula), and sister Jane (Dean); and by many cousins who he loved like siblings.
He is predeceased by and now rests alongside his parents and his lovely wife of almost 45 years.
Family and friends will gather at noon on July 10, 2021 at the South Boardman (Michigan) American Legion to celebrate Jim's life. In Lieu of flowers, please make a donation to an organization that supports and provides services to our Military Veterans.