Bernard James Ralph, 1930-2005 obit
Ralph, Bernard James "Big Jim"
BERNARD JAMES "BIG JIM" RALPH 75, of San Leandro, died 10/23/05, due to complications following emergency surgery. Born in Oakland, 02/11/30. Raised in Alameda. Attended Porter Elementary and Alameda H.S. Enlisted in Merchant Marines, age 16, until he joined the US Army, 1949. Traveled Germany as a saxophonist with the US Army Band & competed on the Army Pistol Team. Scout leader for the very first SCUBA Diving Explorer troupe in CA, visited by Lloyd Bridges of "Sea Hunt;" very active with Alameda Junior Chamber of Commerce; avid body builder with Jack LaLane& Steve Reeves at Iron Island, Alameda. Award-winning, top salesman at CSAA for 11 yrs & an excellent credit manager, collector, & salesman with various companies. Loved building & creating with wood; camping & fishing; shooting; & helping others. Preceded in death by father, Bernard "Barney" Ralph; mother, Geraldine Schultis-Scrimiger; brother, Donald Ralph; sister-in-law, Dorothy Ralph; and beloved cat, Alpha. Jim deeply loved and was devoted to caring for his long-time companion, Pat. Survived by companion, Helen "Pat" Wagovich; daughters, Sandra Ralph (Stan), Sacramento & Stacey Benedetto (Nick), Alameda; granddaughters, Brittany & Brianna Benedetto, Alameda; ex-wife, Kathryn Vincent, Alameda; & his many backyard wild critter-friends. Jim will be greatly missed by all whose lives he touched and forever remembered by trademark, Black Cowboy Hat. There will be a private memorial.
Published in the ANG Newspapers on 10/30/2005.
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