James Ralston

Oct. 21, 1927 –

Aug. 4, 2011

Memorial services for James “Jim” Ralston, 83, will be at on Saturday afternoon, Aug. 6,  at 2 p.m., at Prince George, Winyah, Episcopal Church in Georgetown, S.C., with the Rev. Paul Fuener officiating. A reception will be held on Saturday after the service at the church.

Mr. Ralston was born in Weston, West Va. on Oct. 21, 1927, the son of the late Er Ralston and Katharine Stevens Ralston. He died Thursday, Aug. 4, 2011 at the Lakes at Litchfield in Pawleys Island, S.C. He graduated from the University of West Virginia and received his Master’s Degree in Forest Management from North Carolina State University.

Mr. Ralston was a communicant of Prince George, Winyah, Episcopal Church in Georgetown, S.C. He served on the Vestry at Prince George as both Senior and Junior Warden, as well as at Episcopal churches in Bainbridge, Wilmington, N.C. and in Marion, S.C. Mr. Ralston was a former President of Rotary Clubs in Georgetown, Bainbridge and Marion; he was named a Paul Harris Fellow by the club. He was a former President of the Board at Tidelands Community Hospice and a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity and Winyah Indigo Society.

Mr. Ralston retired after 40 years in Forest Management from International Paper Co.

Mr. Ralston loved the outdoors and especially enjoyed boating, fishing and hunting. He had a lifelong passion for history and travel. His volunteer pursuits were numerous, including Habitat for Humanity and reading at Maryville Elementary School.

Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Helen Hamilton Ralston of Pawleys Island; two sons, James Er Ralston (Cathy) of Winston-Salem, N.C. and Henry Hamilton Ralston (Sherri) of Charlotte, N.C.; two daughters, Edwina Ralston Bieber (Jay) of Myrtle Beach, S.C. and Allison Ralston Leggett (Leon) of Mt. Pleasant, S.C.; and six grandchildren, Brad, Harris, Holly and Frances Ralston, and David and James Leggett. Mr. Ralston was predeceased by his sister, Rebecca Ralston Kaissling.

Memorials may be made to:  Prince George, Winyah, Episcopal Church, PO Box 674, Georgetown, S.C. 29442 or to Tidelands Community Hospice, Inc., 2591 N. Fraser St., Georgetown, S.C. 29440

The Georgetown Chapel of Mayer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.