Professor James Patrick Ralph who died in July last year was the son of Mary and Tommy Ralph of Paisley. Jim was the eldest of five boys who all attended St Aloysius College and was captain of the College in his final year. He enjoyed a three-month Rhodes Scholarship to Canada before progressing to follow in the footsteps of his father and grandfather to study dentistry at Glasgow University. Following his graduation, Jim worked at the Glasgow Dental Hospital for a few years before taking up an appointment at Berkley University California. On his return, he was appointed a consultant in the Department of Restorative Dentistry at Leeds University where he developed an excellent reputation as a clinician and teacher to both undergraduates and postgraduates. He published, along with his colleague Professor Robin Basker, several textbooks for students and practising dentists. Jim was a visiting Consultant in Dental Prosthodontics at York District Hospital and Scarborough Hospital. Among his many qualifications, he was also a member of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, and was awarded a personal Professorship at York University. He was also awarded a rarely given Honorary Life Membership of the British Dental Association. For many years, he was the Postgraduate Dental Dean at the University of Leeds, responsible for organising suitable courses for all dentally qualified in Yorkshire. Away from his professional life, Jim was an enthusiastic cricketer and rugby player and supporter, and many of his rugby-playing friends recall that Jim was the first person, in their experience, to use a gum shield. Unfortunately, he did not master the art of removing the same before making line out calls which generally ended up totally unintelligible. Jim also enjoyed the occasional game of golf with friends and colleagues. He and his family enjoyed many holidays on the North Yorkshire coast and the East Neuk of Fife. Jim is survived by his wife Valerie, his daughters Christy and Alexandra, and his grandchildren Ella, Adam and Eric.