James Ritchie

With unending devotion to his family, James Ritchie brought the world around him to life. He was honest and direct with an amazing sense of humor and an approachable demeanor that drew others near with ease. Although he treasured his roles as a husband and father, Jim just may have argued that becoming a grandfather was his greatest reward. He was a jack of all trades who always seemed to have some sort of project going as he was never one to be idle for any length of time. Generous and thoughtful, Jim used his time and talents to help those around him in ways both great and small. A dear man to many, Jim will be deeply missed while his memory is forever cherished.

During the 1930s was a year to remember in the lives of a young couple from Southwest Michigan, as they were pleased to announce the birth of their baby boy on July 9, 1937, in Nashville, Michigan. Jim was the youngest of three boys born to his parents, George Arthur and Mary Ewell (Ludlum) Ritchie, and he was raised in the family home in Battle Creek alongside his older brothers, Gordon and Bob. His father worked as a machinist at Post while his mother was a busy homemaker.

In many ways Jim experienced an upbringing that was a reflection of his generation. He attended local schools including Battle Creek Central High School where he played the saxophone in the band. After graduating in 1955, Jim went right to work at Clark Equipment. While working for Clark Equipment, Jim had the opportunity to take college classes to further his training. He started in the mail room and worked his way up to become manager of data processing.

Shortly thereafter, in 1956, Jim met the young woman who would forever hold the key to his heart. Her name was Tootie, and they met at a dance. Jim was smitten right from the start and asked her out that same night, but she turned him down. However, she did agree to go out with him the following week. That date led to more dates, and it wasn’t long before they found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to establish a life together Jim and Tootie were married on January 25, 1958.

The newlyweds initially lived with her parents, but after a couple of years they bought their own house in Bellevue. From there they moved to the house in Augusta that they would call home for 52 years. Together Jim and Tootie welcomed four children including Sheri, Cheryl, Jimmy, and Robin into their hearts and home. As a dog lover he always had dogs around, and somehow cats started showing up, too. As of right now Jim’s place is home to four cats. To support his family, Jim made a career at Clark Equipment. He retired as a manager after 31 years there at the age of 48. He later bought a restaurant, Pizza King. His purpose for the restaurant was to provide employment opportunities for his families future. His family continues to run the restaurant today in Galesburg.

Although his life was enriched in numerous ways, there was nothing that was more important to Jim than the time he spent with his loved ones. He and Tootie shared a marriage that most can only dream of as they were soul mates, true companions, and best friends. They were very close to her parents, and they thought the world of Jim, loving him as their own son. During his mother-in-law’s later years, Jim and Tootie tenderly cared for her during her time of need. When their kids were at home he made a point of spending time with his family. Some of their favorite memories were made on vacations to places like Mackinac Island, Niagara Falls, Mammoth Cave, and also out West. The Ritchies also have a very special place where many memories were created and will continue to be, their cottage on Stewart Lake. The cottage is a focal point for the family. It is here that many family gatherings have taken place and will continue to take place. During their retirement years Jim and Tootie had a place in Florida that provided warmth and sunshine during the cold winter months back home in Michigan. Jim was forever helping his family in whatever way he could, and around the house he seemed to always be working in the yard - although whether he actually enjoyed working out there was up for debate. Later in life Jim was filled with unspeakable joy when grandchildren arrived, and he just loved being around them. He was also fantastic with his great-grandchild.

With unending devotion to those around him and accepting of everyone, James Ritchie was a blessing in every way. He was honest and direct, hard working and generous. He was a perfectionist, the sort of person who called it like he saw it but never compromised his beliefs and ethics. He was very patience, dedicated, intelligent and logical. Jim loved things like brownies and Checker burgers, classic music from the 1950s, and his own ’55 Pontiac, but nothing was more near and dear to his heart than the family he shared with his true love. He is truly irreplaceable, but he will never be forgotten.

Jim Ritchie, of Augusta, died on December 3, 2014, at Borgess Medical Center. Jim’s family includes his wife: Jeanette “Tootie”; children: Sheri, Cheryl (Steve), Jimmy, Robin (Bret); 5 grandchildren: Austin (Derek), Alex, Shelby, Tayler, Penelope; 1 great-grandchild: Hannah; brother: Gordon as well as several nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his brother: Bob; and his parents-in-law: Alton & Maragret Hart. Visit with his family and friends and view his life story film on Monday, December 8 from 10:00-11:00 at the Life Story Funeral Home, Plainwell; 120 Woodhams St. (685-5881). A celebration of life service will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the same location. Please visit Jim’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a memory or photo and sign his memory book online. Memorial donations can be made to The Humane Society.