Jason Ritter

PARKER, Colo. – Jason Ritter, 33, passed away Thursday, March 17, 2011, at home in Parker, surrounded by his loving family after a courageous and inspiring nine-month battle with cancer.

He was born July 1, 1977, in Woodstock, to Rex and Reenie Ritter.

He was a graduate of Harvard High School and McHenry County College. He received his Bachelor of Arts in geography and secondary education from Western Illinois University (WIU), graduating summa cum laude. He obtained a master's degree in political science-international studies from WIU, as well. He was named the top geography student in Illinois. He was a recipient of McHenry County College's President's Talent Scholarship, Western Illinois University Geography Scholarship, and the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation's scholarship. He was presented with a rare original print of the famous Iwo Jima flag-raising photograph, personally signed and presented by photographer Joe Rosenthal at the Marine Corps Ball. He was the top Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation's award recipient. He also obtained post-graduate certifications in geography education and A.P. human geography from the University of Northern Colorado.

At Western Illinois, he served as the assistant director of student housing, supervising 21 resident assistants and forming lasting and valued friendships with many students.

He inspired and mentored hundreds of youths during his successful teaching career, which he loved dearly. He taught social studies at Eaglecrest High School in Centennial, Colo., Falcon Creek Middle School in Aurora, Colo., and Columbia Middle School in Aurora, Colo. In 2007 he was on the "core" team opening the new Legend High School in Parker. At Legend he taught A.P. human geography, world geography, ancient civilizations and U.S. history. He served as the Social Studies Department chairman and was the adviser for student government. He enjoyed coaching the boys' J.V. basketball team. He was the 2010-11 Legend High School Apple Award representative and was named the 2010 Outstanding Faculty Member of Legend High School. He was very proud of the many scholastic achievements of his students, and their affection, respect and admiration for him was obvious.

He was an excellent basketball player and inherited his love of outdoor sports from his father, Rex. His hobbies included basketball, hiking and camping, and video games.

He was a man of strong Christian values, belonging to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Parker Evangelical Presbyterian Church. He enjoyed speaking of his faith and participated in a Christian basketball ministry team visiting prisons throughout the West. His halftime testaments were well-received by the most hardened offenders.

He met the love of his life, Audra Graham, on a blind date arranged by friends, and they were married July 31, 2005. They made their home in Parker and were blessed with a son, Lincoln Graham Ritter, on Jan. 8, 2010. The Ritter family enjoyed trips in the Colorado mountains and around the United States, from Hawaii to the Outer Banks of North Carolina, as well as the beaches of Lake McConaughy in Nebraska with Audra's parents, Larry and Kathy Graham of Sterling.

After his diagnosis of signet ring cell colon cancer in June 2010, he fought a determined battle against the disease and enjoyed sharing his inspiring story with others. His all too short but productive and joyful life serves as an example for all young people.

He is survived by his wife, Audra; his son, Lincoln; his parents, Rex and Reenie Ritter; a brother, Brant Ritter of Harvard; his in-laws, Larry (Kathy) Graham of Sterling, Colo.; his brother-in-law, Adam (Katie) Graham of Denver; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

A memorial service is planned for 2 p.m. Saturday, May 7, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Harvard.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Lincoln's College Fund, Wells Fargo Account #xxxxx92209. Make checks payable to Lincoln Graham Ritter, in care of Ponderosa Valley Funeral Services, 10470 S. Progress Way, Parker, CO 80134.