Ralph James "Jim" Easter Jr., age 70, passed away Thursday, December 4, 2025 at his home. Jim was born on December 16, 1954 in Detroit, Michigan, the son of Ralph and Perna Easter. After school he went directly into the United States Army at the age of 18 and served in active duty for four years and was honorably discharged.

Jim met Phyllis (Fields) Easter and her two sons, Adam and Eric, and fell in love with them. They settled into their home in Ann Arbor in 1982, which is where he lived for the last 43 years. Jim and Phyllis married on July 9,1997 and were married for 20 years and together for 40. Jim and Phyllis worked together for the Ann Arbor News for over 20 years. He also took on a job at the University of Michigan in the maintenance department which is where he retired from in 2017 after 25 years of service.

Jim loved to bowl and was in many leagues over the years, he helped coach little league when Adam and Eric were younger and he was an avid fan of the Tigers, the Lions and U of M. He loved spending time with his family, especially going out to dinner together and was overjoyed when he became a grandpa to his two granddaughters. He waited all day/night in the hospital lobby for both of their deliveries and was one of the first people to meet them. He made sure he was at almost every school event, soccer game, dance recital and birthday party over the years.

Jim was preceded in death by; his wife, Phyllis Easter, his stepson Adam Fields, his parents Ralph and Perna Easter, his brother Robert Easter and his sister Roberta Easter. Jim is survived by; his stepson Eric Fields, former daughter-in-law Dena Fields and granddaughters Camryn and Mackenzie Fields.

A memorial service will be held 12 pm Saturday, December 20, 2025 at Praise Community Church (45000 N. Territorial Road, Plymouth). Visitation will begin at 11 am.