October 25, 1945 – June 15, 2025
With heavy hearts, we announce the sudden passing of James Ralph on June 18, 2025, at the Sault Area Hospital, at the age of 79.
Jimmy’s unwavering love for his wife Patricia and their children Rhonda Ralph (Carlo) and James “Bo” Ralph (Lauren) was the foundation of his life. He was a proud Papa to Connor Covert (Cori), Colin Covert, Jackson Ralph, and Avelyn Ralph.
He is survived by his siblings Edward (Karen), Judy (Brian), and extended family of nieces, nephews, lifelong friends, and siblings in law John (Muriel). Jimmy was predeceased by his parents Thomas and Elizabeth Ralph, his in-laws Ed & Gene Bennit (Ken Fletcher) and his siblings TJ (late Tracy), Bill (Sharon), Timothy, and Karen, sibling’s in-law Sharon (Gene), Ken (Kim) and close friends Don Becket, Victor Finn, Scott Lane, Jerry Burmaster and Shawn Wiles.
Close lifelong friends include Norris and Sharon Payette, Joe and Helen Lamantea, Jerry and Brenda Covert, Louise and Cliff Humphries, Mike Marinovich, George Lucuik, Brian What, Peter Mead, and all the friends from Ranger Lake, Upper and Lower Island Lake.
Jimmy was born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, on October 25, 1945. He grew up surrounded by family, friends, and the beauty of the great outdoors — especially cherishing Sunday picnics and time spent in nature. From an early age, Jimmy developed a deep love for the outdoors, which guided the course of his life and passions.
A lifelong and proud employee of Algoma Steel, Jimmy held several positions over a 35-year career, including 17 years in the ball mill and retired in the DSPC department. His commitment and camaraderie with coworkers were a lasting source of pride.
Jimmy earned his private and commercial pilot licenses by the age of 18, a reflection of his adventurous spirit and determination. He was an avid outdoorsman and a member of many hunting groups, eventually becoming a prospector — a role he proudly shared with grandson, Connor.
His love for Labrador retrievers began at age 22 when his wife, Patricia, purchased his first black Lab. That moment marked the start of a lifelong passion for raising, training, and traveling with his many beloved dogs including his current Lab Striker. Jimmy was an active member of the Algoma Retriever Club and shared a deep love for his animals.
Throughout his life, Jimmy enjoyed baseball, hockey, and bowling leagues with his friends from Algoma Steel. He cherished time at his family camp on Lower Island Lake, his Hunting camp up north and Upper Island Lake, where he and his son built a beautiful cabin.
Jimmy will be remembered for his quiet strength, loyal heart, deep connection to nature, and his love for family and community. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the stories he told, and the trails he walked.
Family and friends are invited to gather at the parking lot at Greenwood Cemetery on July 7, 2025, at 12:45, for a Graveside Service at 1:00pm in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.
Memorial contributions (payable by cheque or online) to Sault Ste. Marie Humane Society would be appreciated.
Visit www.osullivanfuneralhome.com to leave condolences for the family. Arrangements entrusted to O’Sullivan Funeral Home (215 St. James St., Sault Ste. Marie, ON, P6A 1P7, 705-759-8456).