Dr. James Ritter WERNER

Hard to believe it has been 11 years. So many memories of him will always be with me. Susan joins me in sending our very best wishes and love to Bonnie and the family.

Remembering Ritter in these early January days. His spirit lives on in the hearts and minds of all who had the privilege of knowing him.

I just heard about Dr. Werner's death and am very sad that I missed his funeral. I studied organ with Dr. Werner on and off for 8 years at the beginning of my career as a Catholic Music Director. He would tease me because I was so pregnant at one point that I couldn't keep my balance at the organ and fell forward : ) He was an unforgetable mentor and teacher and I still think about the wonderful stories and wisdom he shared with me. I have never met anyone quite like Dr. Werner. I feel very...

Your family lived next door to me on Oak street in Ft. Mitchell, Ky. I used to babysit Martha, Sarah and Leah. I am saddened to hear of the passing of this bright light being. I was just thinking of him when a friend told me the news. Your family expanded my horizons and Ritter, in particular, introduced me to an advanced appreciation of music and song. We are all better for having known him.
Fredda Simpson

Ritter was my first choir director when I joined the newly formed children's choir at Blessed Sacrament Church in Ft. Mitchell, KY. I met him once again after I moved to Dayton when he was at Holy Angels. Truly an interesting and talented man.

Dear Bonnie and family,
Ritter was one of the first people I met when I went to CCM as a young high-school student. His kindness, talent, laughter and wide-ranging interests are things I'll always remember. I can still see him playing the Sweelinck Chromatic Fantasy in Corbett Auditorium. I also remember talking with both of you about your time in Canterbury, which put me on the track of contacting Allan Wicks and having such a fabulous time there.
Ritter said "Make sure to ask him to...

Losing a loved one is never easy. May the love of God and friends give you solace and peace during your time of great sorrow.

Ritter was a friend, mentor and teacher. I had the privilege to study organ with him, he was the consultant in our quest to purchase a new organ at St. Anthony Church, he accompanied our choir on several occasions, he accompanied me at weddings, funerals and other venues and we collaborated on many other projects, including his premier of his work on Mary Magdalene at the United Theological Seminary. He was such a brilliant man, but more importantly, he had such compassion and kindness. He...