James Bernard Ritter

1935 - 2018

Ritter, James Bernard LIVONIA- formerly of Lansing, Michigan, peacefully passed away from a brief illness of lung cancer on Saturday, May 5, 2018 with his wife Karen Ritter by his side at the age of 83. Born February 13, 1935, to Kevin J. Ritter, Sr. and mother Catherine Rathka Ritter. Jim was preceded in death by his father Kevin J. Ritter, Sr., mother Catherine Rathka Ritter, and Mary Carry Ritter and brother Kevin J. Ritter, Jr. Leaving behind his children Susan (Scott) Slater, Gregory (Theresa) Ritter, Kenneth (Jeri) Ritter, Jennifer (Joseph) Gazall, Douglas (Julie) Ritter and Jonathan Cave; Blessed with 13 Grandchilden, and 14 Great Grandchildren. Jim is survived by siblings, Joan (Jack) Hall, Donna (Alon) Heath, Mary Sue Ritter, Thomas Ritter, Cecelia (David) Yarber, Dennis (Sandra) Ritter, Edward (Jan) Ritter, Fred (Sheila) Ritter, Douglas (Mary Beth) Ritter, and Maureen (Chuck) Compagnoni, and numerous loving nieces and nephews. A proud U.S. Navy veteran, Jim retired from General Motors as a skilled tradesman in Lansing with 34 years of service. He grew up working in the family business Ritter's Farm Markets in Pontiac and Waterford. Jim was passionate about hunting, reading and restoring his 1942 and 1945 Chevy pickup trucks. Jim will be best remembered for his homemade Salsa which he referred to as more than a dance. Many people in the Lansing area will remember him as the "Tomato Guy" who sold them out of his green 1945 Chevy truck in the Lansing area . His sense of humor and zest for life will be forever missed by everyone that knew and loved him. At his request, a celebration of his life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers contribution can be made to Penrickton Center for Blind Children in Taylor, Michigan.