James Russell Ralph

James Russell Ralph, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully at his home on March 1, 2026, after a courageous fight with cancer. He was born on May 15, 1944, in Bay City, Michigan, and his journey through life would be marked by love, dedication, and a passion for connecting with others.

James was a proud graduate of Handy High School, class of 1962, and attended Delta College for 2 years. His professional life was spent as a machinist at General Motors, where he was known for his strong work ethic and commitment to quality. In addition to his career, James served his country honorably in the United States Army, a period that shaped his character and instilled in him a sense of duty and service.

A man of many talents and interests, James was never one to shy away from adventure. He found joy in the great outdoors, spending countless hours hunting and fly fishing, reveling in the serenity of nature. James had a great sense of humor and loved cracking jokes. His love for sports was equally fervent; he was an avid golfer, enjoyed playing cards, and was a loyal fan of the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions, and MSU sports. Yet, despite all these passions, it was his family that brought him the greatest joy.

James shared 54 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Debrah (Kilvington) Ralph. Together, they built a life filled with laughter, love, and cherished memories. Their union was blessed with two children, Ashley (Aaron) Keeley and Jim (Kristen) Ralph Jr. who were the pride and joy of their lives. James was also a loving grandfather to his grandson, Jason “J.J.”, and he treasured the relationships he built with his step-grandchildren, Brandon, Aaron, Adam, and Abraham.

He leaves behind a legacy of love and warmth, nurtured through the bonds he formed with his many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends. Each relationship was a testament to the kind of man he was a compassionate, caring individual who made time for everyone.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at McLaren Hospice and to the Staff at McLaren Hospital for the outstanding care they provided James.

At the request of James, Cremation has taken place and no services will take place at this time. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be considered to wishes of the family.