James Thomas "Jim" RITER

RITER - James Thomas "Jim"
62, of Midwest City, OK, passed away peacefully in his sleep on 13 March 2023 after a hard fought battle with cancer. Jim was born on 22 July 1960 to the Late Jim and Fran (Skipper) Riter in Buffalo, NY. After Jim graduated from Orchard Park High School in 1978, he went into the US Air Force to be a vehicle and jet engine mechanic. Jim was a Desert Storm veteran. In 1985, Jim met Senior Airman Diann Lozowski at McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey. They married in 1992. Jim brought two children, James T. Jr, and Susan Lynn and Diann brought one child, Megan Elizabeth into the marriage and went on to have two more children together, Nicole Marie and Brian James. Jim loved all his children very much. In September 1992, Jim separated from the military to be Mr. Mom while Diann stayed in to finish her 20 year military career. In 1996, Jim began his Civil Service career as a jet engine mechanic at Tinker Air Force Base. In 2016, Jim retired after a total of 34 years military/civil service and spent his time fishing, taking trips with family and friends, riding his Harley, playing with his cats Alice Cooper, Ted Nugent and his grandpups, his tornado buddy Bowie and Onyx. He loved taking his boat out. Jim, aka Ritter, was especially good at making frowning whiners into smiling winners with his trust and levity. He loved all outdoor activities but riding his Harley motorcycle was his favorite. Jim was an excellent cook and especially enjoyed entertaining and feeding his family and all his close friends. He will be sorely missed but forever loved for his generosity, wit and humor. Jim was preceded in death by his father Jim, older brother baby James Philip, both sets of grandparents and two sisters in law. He is survived by his mother Fran, wife of 31 years Diann, children James (Christina Tellez), Susan (Brandon Paugh), Megan (Rick Gray), Nicole, and Brian; grandchildren William Riter, Alonso Solorzano, Bradyn, Coltyn and Landyn Biggerstaff, Ricky Jr and Lyla Gray and Aurora Paugh. He is also survived by his siblings Mike (Judy), Patrick (the Late Lynn Van Over), Dennis (Donna), Nancy (Dean) Weber and Bill (Eileen) as well as many nieces and nephews. Services will be held at Ford Funeral Service on 17 March 2023 at 1400 hrs. Jim wants everyone to celebrate life, pop a top, drop a fishing line in the water and enjoy your best life.