We Remember
RATCLIFFE, Rev. James Joseph – UPDATED VIEWING INFORMATION
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 the age of 86.
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 thencompleted his studies and was ordained a priest on June 6, 1965.
Subsequently, he completed his M.A. in Theology at Notre Dame inIndiana in 1969 and he celebrated his 60th anniversary this past June 6th in Kelowna.
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 will only take place after the Prayer Service on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at ICC.
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
Visitation
Wednesday, February 11, 2026, after prayers
Immaculate Conception Church
(839 Sutherland Ave, Kelowna, BC, )
Service
Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 10:30 AM (PST)
Location
Immaculate Conception Church
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Service Details
The prayer service for RATCLIFFE, Rev. James Joseph – UPDATED VIEWING INFORMATION 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 – UPDATED VIEWING INFORMATION 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
Remembering Father Jim: I offer my deepest condolences to Father Jim’s family and friends. I first met him in the 70’s somewhere in the Nelson Diocese, He was very involved with the Catholic Women’s League, and I was too, so enjoyed many Spiritual programs and celebrations of Holy Mass at conventions etc. He was also the Spiritual Advisor for Nelson Diocese CWL for nearly 10 years during my time on Diocesan. In later years he would be a priest replacement for us in Golden while our Pastor was on holiday. It was my duty to help him by putting on those compression socks in the morning and removing them at night. His favourite psalm was ” In the shadow of your wings, I rejoice” from Catholic Book of Worship II. He loved music and singing. I’m sure he’ll be leading the heavenly choirs. Rest in Eternal Peace
Murray and I send our condolences to Fr. Jim’s family. He is in our thoughts and prayers.
Another photo from Victoria
one more picture from Victoria
Father Jim was Pastor for two terms in Trail where I was Parish Secretary and got to know him very well, and to appreciate his many gifts. He became a family friend and we shared many meals and other occasions together. He freely expressed his deep faith and understanding and compassion while remaining comfortable and accepting of his own humanity. He taught me much about liturgy, development, peace, charitable giving, and just plain commonsense. I have always considered him a very good friend.
I am deeply saddened to hear of Father Ratcliffe’s passing. Growing up my mom and dad would talk about the priest who lived with my grandparents while he was going to school in Lumby and how he had been at my parents wedding. Over the years my parents and Father Jim stayed in contact and when my mom moved to Kelowna she saw him often as he would come to her retirement residence and give communion or he would be saying mass at the catholic church when she would go. They would laugh and talk about the good old days. When my mom was sick in 2024 and in the hospital, Father Jim stopped by often and gave her a blessing and to visit. At my mother’s funeral, Father Jim phoned me and asked if he could be a part of her service, I know that my mom would have loved him being there as part of her send off and he loved being able to visit with my 2 uncles and aunt with whom he had grown up with. He was a lovely, gentle and intelligent man who always had a ready smile. He will be missed. my deepest condolences to his family….