James Gregory Ulrich

James Gregory Ulrich, affectionately known as Jim to his friends and loved ones, passed away peacefully on November 29, 2025, in Titusville, Florida. Born on June 5, 1949, in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, Jim's life was a testament to his enduring spirit, his love for his family, and his passion for his many interests.

Jim was the cherished husband of Peggy (Treiner) Ulrich, with whom he shared 44 years of marriage filled with love, laughter, and mutual support. Together, they raised three wonderful children: Jessica Hebert (Marty), Megan Ulrich (Camron), and Jonathan Ulrich (Joli). Jim's joy was multiplied by the presence of his grandchildren, Sydney, Alyce, and Connor, who will carry his legacy forward.

The Ulrich family tree branched out with Jim's siblings, Robert Ulrich (Peggy) and Susan Jesse (Roger), as well as his adoring nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin H. and Mary Elizabeth (Kuder) Ulrich, who instilled in him the values of hard work and dedication that he carried throughout his life.

Raised in Morgantown, West Virginia, Jim's early life set the stage for a career that would see him reach for the stars-quite literally. For 50 years, he worked as an engineer at Kennedy Space Center, where he was involved in groundbreaking projects from the shuttle program to the Artemis program. His contributions to space exploration were not just his profession but his passion.

Jim's love for music was as vast as the universe he helped explore. An avid mandolin player, he played in a band with his friends Tom and Gary, the Dibbles, and enjoyed playing with his friends Wayne and Robyn for over 46 years in Titusville, FL. He also played with Jeff and many others while in North Carolina. His musical talents were a source of joy for all his North Carolina musician friends. Jim's taste in music was eclectic, with the Grateful Dead and the Beatles among his favorite bands.

But music was not Jim's only love. He was a licensed pilot, soaring through the skies with the same precision and care he applied to his engineering work. His passion for motorcycles was another facet of his adventurous spirit, he always ready for the next ride.

Jim's commitment to his community was evident in his role as a soccer coach, where he guided young athletes with patience and wisdom. Known as a tinkerer and thinker, Jim was the go-to person for solving problems and repairing things, a skill that endeared him to many.

Jim's life was a melody composed of the many notes that defined him: a devoted family man, a brilliant engineer, a talented musician, an adventurous pilot, a passionate motorcyclist, and a thoughtful mentor. His memory will resonate in the hearts of those who knew him, and his influence will continue to inspire.

James G Ulrich will forever and always be the loving father, husband, friend, musician, referee, rocket scientist and bad ass in death as he was in life. The world was lucky enough to experience life with Jim, Jimbo, Jed, or however you knew him. He gave his children a sense of curiosity and wonder that serves as a strength to overcome any obstacle. He gave his friends a sense of belonging and belly laughs. He gave his wife a headache - but also an everlasting and unbreakable love affair for 44 years. Thank you, Jim, for making this world better while you were here. Thank you for being a real person who truly cared, deeper than most could ever hope to feel. You will remain a vivid, vibrant, intelligent, interesting and talented man, husband, father, friend and genius we all know you to be. Thank you for being with us while you could.

As we say goodbye to James Gregory Ulrich, we celebrate a life well-lived and cherish the memories he has left behind. Jim's story does not end here; it lives on through the love he shared, the knowledge he imparted, and the melodies he played. He will be profoundly missed, but his legacy will continue to soar, as high as the rockets he helped launch and as enduring as the music he loved.