James Ralph Mirto

James Ralph Mirto, 82, of Bigfork, Montana, passed away peacefully at home on May 28, 2025, after a courageous battle with metastatic melanoma. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Jim lived a full and impactful life marked by dedication, intellect, and deep love for his family. Born on August 26, 1942, in Washington, Pennsylvania, to James Mirto and Virginia Tate, Jim was a lifelong learner and athlete. He earned his B.S. in Health Sciences from Slippery Rock State University, where he also played football, followed by a Master’s in Education from the University of Pittsburgh. He pursued a Ph.D. at the University of Virginia and completed Executive Studies in negotiations at Harvard University.

Jim began his professional journey in Education working as a teacher and coach from 1970 to 1977. In 1977, he transitioned into the Pharmaceutical industry, where he became one of the first Oncology Sales Representatives at Bristol-Myers. Over the next three decades, Jim built a distinguished career in the Pharmaceutical and Biopharmaceutical fields taking him across the globe; where he served in leadership roles including Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Business Development, Licensing, and New Product Planning. He concluded his career as the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of a publicly traded women’s health and oncology company. With a strong desire to keep growing and learning, Jim pursued these opportunities affording him the chance to live in ten states throughout his life. These moves formed many beautiful friendships that Jim cherished deeply.

By his side through every step was his devoted wife, Kathryn Stalder of Fairmont, W.Va. Over the course of 53 years of marriage, they shared a rich life built on faith and love of family as their anchor. In addition to his wife, Kathy, Jim leaves behind four children and their spouses: daughter, Michele Mirto (Chris) Ward of Tucson, AZ; son, Jon Mirto (Helen) Gonzales of Tucson, AZ; daughter, Jen (Todd) Crutchfield of Bigfork, MT; and daughter, Kris (Matt) Billieux of San Diego, CA.

He was a proud and loving grandfather to six grandchildren: Maggie Mirto, Oliver Ward, Kara & Ella Crutchfield and Grace & Wyatt Billieux. He also shared a close bond with his sister in-law Susan (Gary) Woodard, his nephews, Christopher and Aaron and their respective families.

Jim was an avid reader with a passion for literature, philosophy, and deep conversation. He loved to play golf, listen to classic country rock music, debate politics, cheer for his favorite sports teams, email jokes back and forth with his grandkids, and explore new places. Known for his patriotism, sharp wit and strong moral compass, he lived by the principles of hard work, integrity, and resilience. His influence was far-reaching and he held himself and others to high standards, inspiring those around him to pursue excellence. He believed in the importance of education and that with determination and effort, anything was possible.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held in Bigfork, Montana, in the summer of 2026. If you are interested in attending, you may reach out to Jim’s daughter, Jen Crutchfield at crutchfield.jen@gmail.com. We celebrate a life well lived and will continue with the legacy he left of love for God, country and family until we see him again. “But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope.” 1 Thessalonians 4:13.