James Ralph Lynch

James “Jim” Ralph Lynch
February 21, 1931 – February 28, 2026
James “Jim” Ralph Lynch, 95, of Moses Lake, Washington, passed away peacefully at his home
on February 28, 2026.

Jim was born on February 21, 1931, in Oroville, Washington, to Ralph J. and Margaret Lynch. He
was raised with a strong sense of duty, faith, and family that remained with him throughout his
life.

In February 1952, Jim was drafted into the United States Army. He graduated as an
intermediate speed code operator in September of that year, and by November was assigned to
the 143rd Field Artillery Battalion, Headquarters Battery, of the 40th Division at Heartbreak
Ridge in North Korea. During his military service, he attained the rank of Corporal and was
awarded the Korean Service Medal with three bronze battle stars, the United Nations Service
Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Presidential Unit Citation Medal, and
the Korean War Service Medal. Among the many memories of his service was a hard-fought
artillery battle on a hill later named after his battalion, known as “Gremlin Hill 854.”

Following his military service, Jim moved to Ephrata, Washington, where he began a long and
dedicated 26-year career with Grant County Public Works as a Civil Engineer. It was also in
Ephrata that he met the love of his life, Ruth McDaniel. They were married on February 16,
1957, in Oroville, WA and together built a life centered on love, family, and faith.
Jim was proficient in ancient and local history, especially with detailed research and
interpretations of his findings. Jim often worked on archaeological excavations alongside the
University of Washington and Central Washington University.

He worked closely with and was a member of the Grant County Historical Society, being on the
Heritage and Trails Committee. He designed and researched the historical formations for the
County Historical signs that were crafted and installed along the Grant County highways of
which are still visible for all those to read and enjoy and assisted in setting up displays of old
mining tools for the historical society.

Jim researched and compiled the first historical Trails Map in the State of Washington depicting
the Indian, military and pioneer wagon roads. This project entailed a considerable amount of
research which covered Grant County, WA.

Jim Retired from Grant County as a Civil Engineer in 1982 and started his life of retirement with
his wife, children and grandchildren and often took trips to enjoy the countryside and creating
memories with his family.

Jim loved hiking in search of historic artifacts, reading, and reminiscing about history. He found
joy in learning about the past and sharing those stories with others. Above all, his life was
marked by steadfast devotion to his family and his faith. He will be dearly missed by all who
knew and loved him.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his wife, Ruth, his children, Margaret
Lynch, Patricia Lynch, Ralph Lynch (Victoria), John Lynch (Crystal), Kathleen Holden and her
husband, Donnie, and Shannon Falstad and her husband, Mark; his grandchildren, Andrea,
Rebecca, Teresa, Katelyn, Kylie, Alexandria, Jessica, Eric, Brent, Jeremy, Seth, Gunnar, and Leif,
as well as 8 great grandchildren and many cherished nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph J. and Margaret Lynch; his stepbrothers, David
Paul and Clyde Paul; and his brothers, Dan Lynch and Mike Lynch.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at Our Lady of Fatima
Catholic Church, 200 N. Dale Rd., Moses Lake, WA 98837, beginning with the Rosary at 10:00
a.m. and Mass at 10:30 a.m. Private interment with military honors will follow at Ephrata
Cemetery. A luncheon for family and friends will be held at Our Lady of Fatima immediately
following the burial.

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