Ralph Filiberto Jimenez

Ralph Filiberto Jimenez

March 30, 1941 – October 24, 2025

Ralph Filiberto Jimenez age 84, of Waterford, Michigan, entered into eternal life October 24, 2025 surrounded by his loving family. Ralph was the beloved son of the late Filiberto Jimenez and Eulalia (Placencia) Jimenez. He was a loyal and devoted husband, married to the love of his life, Judith L. Jimenez, for 66 years. Ralph was a devout Catholic, who lived his life with deep faith and unwavering love for his family. He was a dedicated father and grandfather who lead with kindness and wisdom.

Ralph had a long and distinguished career, dedicating 36 years to General Motors (GMC) and the United Automobile Workers (UAW). He began his career at GM Truck & Coach, where he quickly became a leader within the union. Ralph worked his way up to become the President of Local 594, the largest UAW local in the world at the time. Following his leadership at Local 594, he transitioned to the International UAW as a Union Organizer with the Community Action Program (CAP) Department, eventually becoming the Program Director.

During his tenure, Ralph championed the rights of Latino workers and made significant contributions to labor advocacy. As the President of the International Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA), out of Washington DC, he traveled extensively across the United States and throughout Latin America, fighting for fair labor practices and the advancement of workers’ rights. His work in this field earned him respect and admiration both domestically and internationally.

Ralph is survived by his wife Judith, their children: Filiberto Jimenez (Lois), Esteban Jimenez (Barb), Regina Trim (Raymond), Vincente Jimenez (Sonja), Monica Schacht (John), and R. Benjamin Jimenez (Stacey).

Fifteen grandchildren: Jacqueline Jimenez-Price, Ryan Trim (Rachel), Michael Jimenez, Amanda Hackett (Seth), Tyler Yuresko (Brandon), Morgane Porter (Sean), Cassie Dilly (Nathan), Austin Trim (Lexi), Madelyn Hall (Adam), Andrew Schacht (Kylee), Rafael Jimenez, Raquel Jimenez, Gabriel Jimenez, Seth Jimenez (Jenna), and Peyten Jimenez.

Seven great-grandchildren: Anastasia Price-Patterson (Douglas), Talon Price, Hope Hackett, Reese Dilly, Stanley Hackett, Hank Dilly, and Elizabeth Hall, and one great-great-granddaughter: Amethyst Daisy Patterson.

Will be missed by surviving siblings: Maria Jimenez, Ricardo Jimenez (Tina), Bequi Jimenez, Jose Jimenez, Ester Jimenez, his sisters-in-law, Vicky Jimenez and Neiota Fritz.

He was preceded in death by his siblings: Jesus Jimenez, Luis Jimenez and Juanita Jimenez.

Ralph had a lifelong passion for classic cars. From racing Woodward in his youth to working the Dream Cruise for St. Vincent De Paul Church in his later years, cars were a source of joy and connection for him.

Ralph’s legacy of love, faith, and devotion will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew him. His lifelong commitment to labor rights, his advocacy for Latino workers, and his devotion to family are just a few of the many ways he made a lasting impact on the world. He will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him.

The family will receive friends for visitation on Friday, October 31, 2025, from 4:00 - 8:00 pm, with rosary prayers to be said at 7:00 pm at Sparks-Griffin Funeral Home, Pontiac Chapel. A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at 10:00 am at St. Damien of Molokai Parish -St. Vincent de Paul Church. Following the mass, there will be a burial at Mt. Hope Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations made be made out to St. Damien of Molokai Parish - St. Vincent de Paul Church.