AUGUST 7 1925 - MAY 17, 2010
How lucky one was to share any time with “big Jim”. He wasn’t a back-slapper, center-stage sort of guy, but more of a thoughtful “behind the scenes” man who had an incredible wit and wry sense of humor. He was incredibly tenacious, compassionate, dependable, and a dedicated father who took his responsibilities seriously. He was the first to offer help to anyone, and you could set your clock by his punctuality (although it might be a little early). When you met him, somehow you instantly knew you were in the presence of a good, solid man. Jim was a very funny, humble, sensitive family man with a very strong work ethic.
Jim was born on August 7, 1925, in Marriott, Weber County, Utah, to Lawrence and Mary Edith Ensign Ritchie. He was the tenth of twelve children raised on a farm, where his tall and strong frame was put to work at an early age. Although he worked extremely hard, while young he loved spending time outdoors and enjoyed the simple things in life. Unfortunately when he was a teen, his mother, brother, and sister-in-law were killed in an automobile accident, and his father was critically injured in the crash. This incident was very tragic for Dad, and he had to shoulder the burden of running the family farm. He also had to assume many of the household duties and help take care of his father. He often spoke of the love and admiration he had for his mother and the respect he had for all his family during those tough times.
On December 6, 1948, he married Beverly Green, a woman he worked with at First Security Bank in Ogden. Together they raised four children. He worked full time and retired from Hill Air Force Base as a computer systems analyst, and also worked second jobs, including a night job for many years as a manager for a local store to provide for his family. You could also see him sitting at the sewing machine mending clothing, cooking, gardening, administering tender medicinal and therapeutic treatments to his family, and helping his in-laws as they aged and needed assistance. He was active in the Boy Scout program with his son, and took his daughters on daddy-daughter dates out dancing. He also enjoyed bowling, boating, going for a drive, or was amused simply watching people. Taking the time to have a black cup of coffee out of his favorite Tupperware mug was one of his favorite parts of the day. Entertaining his beloved grandchildren with a special puppet or taking them on a trip to the ice cream store in his old truck was a memory they will always cherish.
After retiring, Dad and Mom decided to move from Ogden and spend their winters in Mesa, Arizona, and their summer months in Park City, Utah, closer to family. He really enjoyed these years of golfing, swimming, playing shuffleboard, and relaxing with friends. In 2002, they moved to Medford, Oregon, both for its mild climate and to be near family members in the Pacific Northwest. Most of his life Jim was the picture of good health. He was strong, dedicated to exercise every day, and careful about his diet. Sadly, neuropathy began to weaken his legs. On January 1, 2007, he suffered a fall and serious head injury. His life changed dramatically. The following years he bravely endured many physical and mental challenges as his health slowly declined. Losing his independence and mobility was extremely difficult, but he never complained to others. A week before his death he enjoyed a Mother’s Day barbecue with his family, and, though reduced to few words, he announced that he felt “as fine as a feller can feel.”
In grateful remembrance his remaining family includes his wife Beverly, his children Renee (Doc) Melton, Dennis (Chris) Ritchie, Carol Wootton, and Barbara (Roger Roper) Bassett. He also leaves behind his adoring grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His surviving sisters are Arlene Bingham and Vivian Child.
