The Shadow
James Wesley Ralsten
Mr. James Wesley Ralsten, age 77, of Covington, died Friday, February 13, 2026, at LewisGale Hospital-Alleghany, Low Moor. He was the husband of the late JoAnn Boggs Lowe Ralsten who preceded him in death in 2023.
Mr. Ralsten was born February 1, 1949 in Virginia, the son of the late Malcolm McNeer Ralsten and Elizabeth Miller Ralsten. He was a lifetime resident of this community. James was employed as a mechanic by United Parcel Service, retiring after thirty years of service. He was also a former employee
of Loving Funeral Home. In his spare time, James enjoyed working with crafts and making things with his hands.
Mr. Ralsten is survived by a daughter, Jennifer V. Ralsten of Richmond; three sons, John W. Ralsten of Dayton, OH, Clayton T. Lowe of Covington and Jeffery M. Lowe and wife, Brenda of Covington; four grandchildren, Caleb Lowe, Kara A. McCallister and husband, Nathan, Chase Bratton of Mooresville, NC and Nicholas Recker of Newberg, OR; a brother, William R. (Billy) Ralsten and wife, Kathy of Chester; two sisters-in-law, Gladys Ralsten of Roanoke and Trina Ralsten; and a number of nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents and wife, Mr. Ralsten was preceded in death by two brothers, Malcolm M. Ralsten and Marshall M. Ralsten and a sister, Margaret Ellen Bontz.
Family and friends should assemble in casual attire at Loving Funeral Home at 1:00 P.M Wednesday, February 18, 2026. A private graveside service for all family will be conducted at 2:00 P.M. at Cedar Hill Cemetery with Rev. Bill Gilliland officiating. For anyone wishing to visit the family during this time, please assemble at Jack Mason’s Tavern in Clifton Forge, VA, at 4:00 P.M. following the graveside service.
The family suggests that memorial tributes take the form of contributions to the Alleghany Humane Society, 9313 Rich Patch Road, Covington, VA 24426.
Loving Funeral Home is honored to conduct the arrangements for our beloved friend and former co-worker, James Ralsten; to view his memorial tribute page, please visit www.lovingfuneralhome1913.com
