James Francis Ramaley

James Francis Ramaley (“Jim”) of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, died peacefully in his home on June 12, 2025. He was the son of the late Edward Jackson Ramaley and Pauline Frances Folk Ramaley. He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Ann (Kulchycki) Ramaley, his children Kenneth James Ramaley and Patricia Ann (Ramaley) Brunker, daughter-in-law Laura Bright Ramaley, son-in-law Timothy John Brunker, his grandchildren Charlotte Vegas Ramaley, Anastasia Mary Brunker, and Geoffrey John Crawford Brunker, and his brother Robert Folk Ramaley (“Bob”), as well as countless nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his brother William Charles Ramaley (“Bill”). Born in Columbus, Ohio on October 10, 1941, Jim grew up as the youngest of three brothers (Bill and Bob). He attended Grandview Heights High School and was one of the top Mathematics students in the state. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa from The Ohio State University, followed it up with a Master’s in Mathematics from the University of California (Berkeley), and earned his Ph.D. in 1967 from the University of New Mexico. James was a member of St. John the Theologian Orthodox Mission Parish, Gettysburg, PA.

In 1966, Jim met the love of his life, Mary Ann at a Robert Goulet concert in Pittsburgh. After they were married on May 20, 1967, they remained constant companions until his last breath. Their 58 years together led them to global travels (50 states and 26 foreign countries), a world of adventure (from Water Buffalo in South Africa to Diplomacy in China), and an enduring legacy of love. After a postdoc at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich and short stints as Assistant Professor at Bowling Green State University and the University of Pittsburgh, Jim’s relentless curiosity about emerging technology (computers) led him to leave academia in the early 1970s to work for Online Systems in North Hills, Pennsylvania and ultimately ZiffDavis Publishing company in New York City, where he worked until his retirement in 1999.

Jim spent his whole life supporting his family and his community. Jim was a Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader and trainer at the local, state, and regional levels – being rewarded with the “Silver Antelope” award for service to the Northeast Region, and guiding his children to reach the pinnacles of scouting achievement. He was a 12-year member and one-time president of the Ossining, New York Board of Education. Even in retirement, Jim was a frequent participant in Gettysburg College Mathematics colloquia, constantly sharing with the next generation of mathematicians.

Also in retirement, Jim dove deeply into Ramaley family genealogy, focusing on the descendants of Ambrose Remeli – the first ancestor along the Ramaley line to immigrate to America in 1749. His database showed over 100,000 connections, including 30,000 direct descendants of Ambrose. Over the years, thousands of people received emails from Jim – offering to connect them to the family tree. He even served as a census worker in 2010 to participate in the largest American people-tracking project. He would like that this obituary contains all the middle names and precise dates.

Jim’s family influence is too vast to enumerate. He was always ready to answer a math question or ask one. His dry wit was ever-present. He will be remembered for all the helpful conversations, actions, and guidance he has provided to so many over the years – children, grandchildren, friends, neighbors. Jim had been sick for a while, yet despite his illness, he continuously managed to convey his love and support to his whole family through his last days. He gained great joy and peace from the legacy he has left, and the knowledge that his impact is eternal.

Friends will be received on Thursday June 19, 2025, from 10:00am-11:00am at St Vladimir Ukrainian Orthodox Church. A funeral Service will follow at 11:00am, with Very Rev. Fr. Michael Kochis officiating. Interment will follow Sylvania Hills Memorial Park. BOHN-MATICH FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 1099 Maplewood Ave., Ambridge, is in charge of arrangements.

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