James D. “Jim” Ritchie, 61, of Madison, IN and Tekonsha,MI, passed away Sunday, May 16, 2021 in Tekonsha.
A memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 26, 2021 at D.O. McComb and Sons Lakeside Park Funeral Home, 1140 Lake Ave., Fort Wayne, IN 46805. Calling will be held prior to the service from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Local arrangements are being handled by Lighthouse Funeral & Cremation in Union City.
Jim was born October 9, 1959 to Betty Lou (Mathews) Ritchie and James Irvin Ritchie. Jim was the oldest of three children. Jim graduated from Madison Consolidated High School in 1978. Jim attended Purdue University before becoming a radio DJ in his hometown of Madison and later, Goshen, IN. His air name was J. Mathews.
Jim became a sheriff’s deputy in Lagrange, IN where he worked before completing the police academy in Pendleton, IN. Jim was a decorated officer with the Fort Wayne police department where he served for 26 years. Jim retired as a Lieutenant from the FWPD in 2017. Jim also traveled to New Orleans, LA to aid in the relief efforts following Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
Jim graduated from Aspen University with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. Jim was an expert marksman and enjoyed teaching his children about firearms and firearm safety. Jim also enjoyed working in the fields on his property, hunting, fishing, riding his Harley, and telling classic “dad jokes”.
Jim is survived by his wife Kalyn Ellis-Ritchie and her two children, Ivy Jane and Finn of Tekonsha, MI: a son, James Matthew Ritchie of Fort Wayne, IN: a daughter Keli (Joshua) Rohrs of Columbia City, IN and their two sons Wyatt and Waylon: a sister Dena (Mark) Potochny of Madison, IN: a brother Mike (Diane) Ritchie of Chesapeake, Virginia : and several nieces and nephews.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents Jim & Betty Lou Ritchie as well as two grandchildren.
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