James Beryle Ralph

James B. Ralph, 86, of Columbus, Ohio, passed away on September 22, 2025. He was born on February 18, 1939, in Canton, Ohio, to William "Dean" Ralph and Eloise (Davis) Ralph of the Caldwell, OH area.

Jim proudly served in the United States Air Force, beginning his service at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas and continuing at Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, Florida. After completing his military service, he worked for North American Aviation before joining Industrial Nucleonics in 1964-later known as Combustion Engineering and eventually ABB Corp. Despite holding only an associate degree, Jim excelled among colleagues with PhDs, dedicating 38 years to his career as an electronic engineer until his retirement in January 2002.

On June 17, 1967, Jim married Deanna J. (Williams) Ralph at Alum Creek Friends Church in Marengo, Ohio. Their union spanned 58 years.

Jim was a longtime "Red Coat" usher at Ohio State University football games, serving for 20 years alongside his brothers Ken and Bill, and his sons Jeff and Jason during their Boy Scout years. In retirement, he devoted himself to remodeling Deanna's family farmhouse near Alum Creek Friends Church-a labor of love that lasted 17 years, with the help of his sons.

Known for his remarkable ability to fix anything, Jim was the go-to person for repairs of all kinds. Though his profession was electronics, his talents extended to building and craftsmanship. He was always ready to lend a hand, especially to widows and his sons.

Jim is survived by his wife of 58 years, Deanna Williams Ralph; two sons, Jeffrey W. Ralph and his wife Elizabeth of Westerville, and Jason T. Ralph of Marengo, Ohio; brother Bill Ralph of Texas; sisters-in-law Alice Ralph of Florida and Erma Williams of Marengo; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his mother Eloise Faye (Davis) Ralph (who passed when Jim was just eight), his father William "Dean" Ralph, stepmother Mary Ellen Ralph, brother Kenneth D. Ralph (2020), sister-in-law Karin Ralph (2022), and brother-in-law Roger C. Williams (2020).

The Ralph family extends heartfelt thanks to Caretenders Hospice for their compassionate care during Jim's final days, especially nurse Dale and aide Amanda.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, September 26, 2025, at Evans Funeral Home, 4171 E. Livingston Ave., Columbus, OH 43227. Visitation begins at 11:00 AM, followed by the service at 12:00 noon. Jim will be laid to rest at Alum Creek Friends Church Cemetery, 3385 St. Rt. 229, Marengo, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Redeemer's Church, 1850 Courtright Rd., Columbus, OH 43227.

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