James Craig Ralls

James Craig Ralls

November 10, 1952-March 14, 2026

Craig Ralls was a loving man of faith, a skilled craftsman, a student of the Bible, and always ready to serve others. He passed away peacefully at the age of 73 in Olympia, Washington.

Born to Clinton Ralls, Sr. and Janice Terrell Martin in San Bernardino, California, Craig and his siblings enjoyed growing up in Auburn, WA, before the family moved to San Jose, CA where he graduated from Branham High School in 1971.

Craig’s knack for creativity and fixing things was evident at a young age. He trained as a journeyman carpenter, where he mastered construction and repair. He developed strong electronic skills while serving as Sergeant Ralls in the US Air Force from 1975-1979 as an Avionic Communications Specialist. His civilian career path alternated between owning construction companies as contractor and handyman, to working for the Department of the Army T.M.D.E. (Test, Measurement, and Diagnostic Equipment.) From 1983-1997 he worked in civil service at Sacramento Army Base and Fort Lewis as an engineering and electronics technician, calibrating and repairing precision measurement and radiation detection equipment. Clearly, he thrived in work requiring accuracy and precision.

Music played a key role in shaping his deep faith as a teenager, as he sat in church scrutinizing the message with his logical and analytical mind. Softened by the worship music and sensing God’s Holy Spirit, he accepted Jesus Christ as his savior. Always an avid reader, Craig read through the Bible intently and repeatedly, color coding passages as a dedicated student. He felt called to be a Pastor and pursued education and training opportunities. His credentials were earned through independent local churches, and he received his ministry license with the Assemblies of God in 2009.

Craig met Lori Matthews at church in Woodland, California, where they became the best of friends. Their mutual love of Jesus was the foundation of their connection and led to countless hours of conversation about spiritual things. Lori is a singer and worship leader, which certainly caught his attention as well. They were married on June 11, 1977, and began their wonderful family which grew to include four children. They moved to Olympia, Washington in 1988. Craig delighted in their blessings of eleven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Craig was a creative, and highly skilled craftsman known for his precision finish carpentry. His many toolboxes overflowed with duplicates, inspired by his two most repeated sayings: “Get the right tool to do the job” and “Intrinsic value obligates.” He loved to shop and rarely passed up a good deal. He was, after all, Sears’ best customer.

Craig had a non-stop sweet tooth and goofy sense of humor. Though he jokingly called himself “humor impaired” he was a natural when it came to what we now call “Dad jokes.” He could have won trophies for having the most hobbies and collections. Besides tools, he enjoyed HO scale model trains, books (both science fiction and devotional), movies, Disneyland, stamps, puzzles, hats, Star Wars, arts and crafts painting, camping, fishing, gardening and don’t forget Little Debbie snacks. He also collected trees. Neighbors often said, “Every day is Arbor Day at the Ralls’ house.” His biggest hobby was the hunting trip to collect resources for the next hobby.

Craig poured his energy into projects for the people he cared so deeply about. A talented multitasker, he helped wherever he could, always with a perfectionist’s touch. In addition to home remodeling and construction, he specialized in landscape projects, building gazebos, pergolas and terraces. One special project was making an aviary for his father. He kept his plans in his brilliant mind, rather than writing them down, which often left Lori guessing how he would bring his ideas to life, only to be amazed by the finished result. Together they enjoyed upcycling found objects into “Frankensteined” furniture pieces. Anything she could dream up, he could create — and often improve — with his “MacGyver”-like ingenuity.

A man of genuine kindness, Craig’s generous and helpful nature reflected his steadfast and loyal service to his Lord. As a Bible teacher, he was passionate about the work of the Holy Spirit and helping others discover their spiritual gifts to serve their church and community. He loved studying and sharing on the topic of Creation Science vs evolution. Craig served as a Sunday School superintendent, Royal Ranger Commander, Pastor, teacher, preacher, prayer partner, deacon and host for many home Bible studies and life groups. He volunteered as a Mission Builder with YWAM Faith Harvest Helpers and participated in mission outreaches to Mexico and Dominican Republic and Gleanings For The Hungry. He led the Summer Jubilee booth building crew, built a Pinewood Derby racetrack, and contributed to church improvements including Sanctuary stage columns and foyer wainscot paneling. For the Mission House remodeling project, he outfitted his step van with construction supplies and found great joy arriving each day like he was driving an “ice cream truck” bringing all the goodies.

Craig’s profound love for his family defines his legacy. He is survived by the love of his life and wife Lori Ralls; his children Coreen and Jason Vizzini, Brian and Samantha Ralls, Danae and Danny Martinez, Jennelle Ralls and Will Birch; his grandchildren Isaac and Hailey Vizzini, Raegan and Gavin Cruz, Ethan and Maricarmen Vizzini, Grant and Trinity Ralls, Noah Vizzini, McKinlea Ralls, Josiah Vizzini, Ian Martinez, Bella Martinez, Liam Birch-Ralls and Gwenevere Birch-Ralls; his Great-granddaughter Eliana Vizzini. He is also survived by his brother Clint Ralls and sisters Jan Winterstein and Jill French; along with many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Clinton Ralls, Sr. and Janice Terrell Martin.

In loving memory, a celebration of Craig’s life will be held April 24, 2026 at 3:00 pm at True Grace Church, 5615 30th Ave SE in Lacey, WA 98503. An honorable military internment will be held at Tahoma National Cemetery.