The patriarch of our family; James Gerald Duke Ramsier; 76; of Perryopolis; passed from this life after a short illness; March 16; 2010. Son of the late Franklin Paul and Gertrude Brocco Ramsier; Jim was born in Star Junction on Dec. 7; 1933. He served his country with distinction in the Army while stationed at Fort Benning; Ga. A welder by trade; he retired from Mine Technik of America Inc. as plant supervisor. After retirement; he sought an active life; returning to the work force at Dongilli’s Auto Sales. Jim enjoyed a lifelong passion for harness racing; including breeding and owning standard bred race horses. Jim was devoted to the love of his life; his wife; Dorothy Tomalski Ramsier. The two happily celebrated 57 years of marriage on Oct. 17. Along with his wife; Jim is survived by his loving family including three children; Mark E.; Esq.; and Karen Kuklar Ramsier; of Belle Vernon; Marcia Ramsier Arthurs and Paul Michael Hoover; M.D.; of Rostraver Township; and Michael J. Ramsier and Tracey McMahan of Perryopolis. Jim was the proud grandfather of Claire Arthurs (fiancee’ Thomas J. Broeker); of Columbus; Ga.; Chloe Arthurs and Robert Arthurs III; of Rostraver Township; Amanda and Alicia Ramsier; of Belle Vernon; one sister; Delta Ramsier Pittavino; of Smithton; three brothers; Rhys Ramsier; of Star Junction; Robert (Molly) Ramsier; of Kissimmee; Fla.; and Bruce (Laurene) Ramsier of; Perryopolis R.D.; a sister-in-law; Barbara Garrow Ramsier; of Louisville; Ohio; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents; Jim was preceded in death by one brother; Mahlon Edward; of Louisville; Ohio; in 2009; and a brother-in-law; Donald Pittavino; of Smithton; in 2006. Friends will be received 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday in the FERGUSON FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY INC.; 724-929-5300; 700 Broad Ave.; Belle Vernon. www.fergusonfuneralhomeandcrematory.com A blessing service will be in the funeral home on Saturday at 9 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass at 9:30 a.m. in St. Sebastian Roman Catholic Church with the Rev. Lawrence Manchas as celebrant. Interment will follow in Belle Vernon Cemetery. On Friday at 3 p.m. the rosary will be prayed in the funeral home led by members of St. Sebastian parish.