James "Jim" Richard Ralph, age 70, of Wilton passed away Saturday, May 25, 2019 at Danbury Hospital.

Jim was born in St. Louis, Missouri on April 19, 1949 and relocated to the Norwalk/Wilton area in 1962 with his family. He was a son of the late Howard Anthony Ralph and Helen Frances Lembeck Ralph.

Jim graduated Wilton High School in June 1967 and volunteered in January 1968 for the U.S. Army Signal Corps. Jim was stationed one year in DaNang, Vietnam where he focused on keeping vital land lines open by framing-patch board wiring and troubleshooting cross-country telephone and telegraph circuits. For his work he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal. Returning to Ft. Ord, California he completed his service as a site supervisor in charge of radar tracking and data recording of Air Force jet and helicopter weapon testing. As a specialist 5th grade he was awarded a Honorable Discharge in 1970.

Continuing his education, Jim was awarded a B.S. degree in Business Administration in 1981 and an A.S. degree in Industrial Management from Waterbury State Technical College in 1977, and an A.S. degree in Electrical Engineering from Norwalk State Technical College in 1973, all with High Honors. He also earned his pilot's license and enjoyed flying throughout New England for many years!

Jim was hired by Pitney Bowes (PB) in June 1973 as an electric technician to troubleshoot electrical and mechanical problems on production line copiers and assembly test equipment. He later transferred to Research & Development where he enjoyed a progressive career in engineering and participated in the award of many patents. He retired after 37 years in August 2010.

Jim was preceded in death by his daughter Christine Ralph; and brothers Stephen and Joseph Ralph. He is survived by his daughter Michele Powers of Prospect, Connecticut; granddaughters Nicole Stubbs of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Rebecca Woolard of Prospect, Connecticut; sisters Margaret Nicastro and husband Thomas of Virginia; Kathy Conlin and husband Scott of Norwalk, Debra Birkins and husband John of Roxbury; sister-in law Gayle Ralph of Redding; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jim was a loving son, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He is dearly missed by all.

Memorial contributions may be made in Jim's memory to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8517. To offer online condolences to the family please visit http://www.boutonfuneral home.com.