James Arthur Ralston

James Arthur Ralston

Jan. 1, 1931 - Dec. 1, 2023

CASTLE ROCK - A New Years' baby, James "Jim" Arthur Ralston, was born January 1, 1931 to Arthur and Elisabeth "Bessie" Ralston at Cowlitz General Hospital in Longview, WA.

He grew up in Castle Rock, WA with his three siblings, Arn, Cliff, Virginia and a cousin Marion. During his high school years Jim excelled in sports. Especially football, basketball and track where he used to run a "10 Flat" in the hundred yard dash.

After high school, Jim attended Lower Columbia College before he enlisted to serve in the Army for two years during the Korean War. He was lucky to spend that time serving in Europe.

After his service, he returned to Castle Rock where he met Lorraine Galey an elementary teacher from Raymond, WA. They were married within six months and continued to live in Castle Rock for a year while Jim worked for the Railroad as a Brakeman and Lorraine taught school.

Their daughter Jill was born during that year and then they decided to move to Orangevale, CA near Sacramento, where Jim worked for a company called Arojet for 12 years. Their sons James and Jerry were born there. They made many good friends in California but Arojet had a huge layoff and Jim and Lorraine decided to move back to Castle Rock where Jim worked for Reynolds' Aluminum until he retired.

Jim enjoyed hunting with his brother in-law, Jerry Fowler and dipping smelt in the Cowlitz River. He was a great dad, always fixing things around the house and keeping their yard in very good condition.

Jim joins his wife Lorraine and all his siblings in heaven, including a nephew, Dan Ralston, a niece, Chris Ralston Stewart and a son-in-law, Tony St. Onge. He is survived by his son, James (Cindy) and their daughter, Lainey, his son, Jerry (Debbie) and their children: Kyle Ralston and Gena Ralston James (Steve) and their children: Cole and Cameron, his daughter, Jill and her children: Tyler St. Onge (Tenecia) and their children: Mila and Eli, Joanne St. Onge Neal (Jay); Jims' niece, Kathy McDaniel (Jim); his nephews: Mike Fowler (Katie), Jack Fowler (Kathy); and niece, Jeannie Fowler; nephew, Monte Bridges and niece, Julee Bridges Grabinski and nephew in-law, John Stewart.

An early spring funeral is planned at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Castle Rock.