We Remember
RATCLIFFE, Rev. James Joseph
January 28, 1940 — February 2, 2026
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Nelson, British Columbia, has lost a beloved priest with the peaceful passing of Reverend James “Jim” Ratcliffe of Kelowna on Monday, February 2, 2026, at Sun Pointe Village.
Father Jim, who was raised in the communities of Trinity Valley, Lumby and Kelowna, graduated in 1957 from Rutland Secondary and then attended Notre Dame University in Nelson, completing his Grade 13 before attending Christ the King Seminary from 1958 to 1959. He was ordained a subdeacon in 1963 at St. Peter’s Seminary and then completed his studies and was ordained a priest on June 6, 1965. He celebrated his 60th anniversary this past June 6th here in Kelowna. Subsequently, he completed his M.A. in Theology at Notre Dame in Indiana in 1969.
He has since served the Nelson Diocese as Rector of the Cathedral in Nelson, as well as leading numerous faith communities throughout the Nelson Diocese pastoring parishes in Trail, Summerland, Kelowna, and Cranbrook.
Father Jim is survived by his younger sisters, Mary Royal and Elizabeth Dunne, both of Vancouver; stepsister, Kathleen Marty (Wong), of West Kelowna and stepbrothers, Maurice Marty and Don Marty, both of Osoyoos; as well as sister-in-law, Maureen Ratcliffe of Calgary.
Father Jim was predeceased by his father, Joseph Ratcliffe (d. 1958); mother, Margaret Ratcliffe Marty (d. 2002), of Kelowna; sisters Caroline Odell (d. 1995) of Calgary and Jeannie Ratcliffe (d. 2018) of Victoria; his brothers Vince Ratcliffe (d. 2008) and Bert Ratcliffe (d. 2013) both of Nelson, as well as his brother Hugh Ratcliffe (d. 2018) of Ladysmith.
Memorial donations may be sent to Roman Catholic Diocese of Nelson – Pilgrimage of Faith, or the Diocese of Nelson Priest Retirement Fund. Envelopes to make donations will be available at the Mass.
Vigil Prayer Service will be held on Wednesday evening, February 11, 2026, at 7:00 PM, at Immaculate Conception Church, 839 Sutherland Ave, Kelowna, BC. The Viewing details are still to be determined (please check back on Monday; more information will be available then).
Mass of Christian Burial will be held the following day on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 10:30 AM (PST), at Immaculate Conception Church, with the Most Reverend Gregory Bittman Bishop of the Diocese of Nelson presiding. If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the service, a recording will be made available to view shortly in 3-5 days.
A Memorial Reception will be held following the Mass in the Immaculate Conception Parish Centre.
Interment will take place on Friday, February 13, 2026, at 10:30 AM, at the Lumby Cemetery, 2601 Cemetery Lane, Lumby, BC.
Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord,
and let Your perpetual light shine upon him.
May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed
rest in peace.Amen.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
Livestream provided by Immaculate Conception Church:
Prayer Service
Wednesday evening, February 11, 2026, at 7:00 PM
Service
Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 10:30 AM (PST)
Location
Immaculate Conception Church
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Service Information
Service Details
The prayer service for RATCLIFFE, Rev. James Joseph is scheduled for Wednesday evening, February 11, 2026, at 7:00 PM at located at 839 Sutherland Ave, Kelowna, BC, .
The service for RATCLIFFE, Rev. James Joseph is scheduled for Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 10:30 AM (PST). Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.


My condolences to the family. From the first time we met when I and Fr. Bernie drove up to the Cathedral in Nelson Fr. Jim and I connected. Thank you for your friendship, encouragement through the years, and the time you always made to have a visit with me when you came to Calgary. Happy reunion with Fr. Bernie. Rest in peace and I’m sure God has said to you: “Well done, good and faithful one.”
My sincere condolences to Fr. Jim’s family. My husband, Dave, myself & our six children served under Fr. Jim at St. Pius X Parish for many years. He truly was a great man, had lots of patience we us all & encouraged our children always. May he rest in Peace.
Sincere condolences to all of Father Jim Ratcliffe’s family, loved ones and friends.
In the sole conversation that I was privileged to have with Father Jim, I was refreshed and moved by his friendliness, insight and beneficial wisdom. It is no surprise to see among the messages here and elsewhere that others also found him to be a very special person. He appears to have indeed been a true brother in Christ and and exemplary priest!
Rest in peace, father Jim Radcliffe