James E. “J.R.” Ritchie
June 27, 1964 - October 4, 2022
James E. “J.R.” Ritchie, age 58, of New Castle, DE, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, October 4, 2022.
Born in Memphis, TN, on June 27, 1964, he was the youngest son of the late Norman Homer and Imogene (Scott) Ritchie. J.R. was a man of many talents. He came to Delaware with a Demolitions crew, grew his family while working a number of service jobs. Over the last 20 years, he made his career in the logistics industry, first as a Truck Driver then as a Dispatcher, retiring in 2022.
Dedicated to his faith and community, J.R. was a member of Asbury United Methodist Church and the Wilmington Manor Lions Club. He loved volunteering with the HOPP program through Asbury and collecting donations for the Lions Club events. Every Spring, you could find him in his garden doing “Dirt Therapy,” as he called it. JR was proud of his small homestead and shared as much of the garden’s bounty as he could with everyone. Every other minute of his life was spent with his friends and family, whom he loved more than anything else. From ball games, to movies, to fishing and crabbing, JR loved to just be with the people he loved and held dear.
J.R. is survived by his beloved wife of 12 years, Edwina R. “Winnie” (Travers) Ritchie; loving children, James N. Ritchie, Charles B. Ritchie (Stephanie), Alexina Antonson-Mason (Chad), and Amanda Schwinger; siblings, Sherry McDougal, Vicki Lemen, and Charles N. Ritchie; grandchildren, Hayden and Haylee Ritchie; his loving pups, Buttercup & Cocoa, and his nemesis, Nigel the Cockatoo.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10 am until 11 am on Saturday, October 22, 2022, at Asbury United Methodist Church, 300 East Basin Road, New Castle, DE, 19720, where a memorial service will begin at 11 am.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in J.R.’s memory to Asbury United Methodist Church at the address listed above or to Brandywine Valley SPCA, 600 South St, New Castle, DE 19720.
Ada
May he RIP. He was a great man. My condolences to the family.
Vicki Lemen
Baby brother you have earned your wings so fly high and sing to our Almity. I love you and miss you.See you again some day .
Nicole LoStracco
I am so sorry for your loss. He was such a loving and funny person!
Jan Hymes
Jimmy, my sincere condolences to you and the family. I’m so sorry for your loss. With love and compassion, Jan Hymes
Thresea Wright
My heart is saddened to know Jimmy’s earthly life is over. Jimmy the youngest sibling of my very best friend. Norma loved her baby brother so very much. I can only imagine the reunion Jimmy and Norma had in heaven. No more pain for either. Worshipping Jesus together.
Dolores Smith
RIP JR!! You will be greatly missed by your family and friends. Peace be with you.
Dan dennis
To my dear friend jimmy im so sorry for you loss I never had the chance to spend time with your father however I did have the opportunity to meet him once he was a good man and I know he loves you very dearly keep your head up bro although dad‘s not here with you in person is always with you in your heart but anytime you feel that you want to talk to him just call hid name he will be standing beside you. We love you bro keep your head up.
Bonnie Heintskill
Our hearts grieve with thee….
Janice Knox
I’m sorry to hear of the loss of your dad James!! My heart and prayers are with you and your family and may your dad RIP!❤️🙏🏻
Midwest Travers
JR was a kind man. Prayers for the you during this difficult time.
Phil, Kim, Matt, PJ, and Rachel
Paula Holcomb
Lifting all of you up in prayer. When you feel weary and don’t know what to do, lean on God He is always there to help you find your way.
Anna Wagner
Winnie and Family, So sorry for your loss. I know how much he meant to you. Fondly, MOM Wagner
Janet Jackson
JR will be dearly missed by all who knew him. I will miss his presence at Asbury, where he was always a willing helper wherever & whenever needed. He was truly a faithful servant for the Lord.
Nanette Hill
Hey lady my heart is so heavy. Can’t believe my boyfriend is gone. He will always be in my heart ❤ . Love 💘 you so much. Thanks to the both of you for always having my back at Palmets eventd.
Helen Friend
My heart is filled with sorrow over the loss of a giving person, who believed it is better to give then to receive. He will be missed.
Deanna Vanderslice
My thought and prayers are with you during this difficult time. I’m here if you need need me
Steve Shular
To Charlie and the family, I am keeping you in mind.
May the many happy memories of J.R. give you strength at this difficult time.
Steve Shular
Gwendolyn Crawford
R.I.P JR. You will definitely be missed. My condolences to the family.
James Ritchie
I miss you so so much dad. I love you with all my heart. you will be missed by so many people. Your fight is done here dad and you gave it a run for its money and now its time to rest and i mean rest dad take it easy. Till we meet again dad i love you
Scott Vanzandt
I am so sorry I won’t be able to be there with you guys, but know I am there in my heart. Sure would love to see the big guy one more time, but tomorrows are never guaranteed for anyone, I guess. All my love and comforting thought go out to all of you. You are all family to me and you always have a place to visit if you need a change of pace.
Angela
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of the friends and family who will be honoring, grieving the loss of, and missing an incredible man, friend and hero tomorrow. In the 39 years I was blessed to know him, not ONCE did we ever say goodbye, so I won’t now….Later my friend, later.
Marcia Berbeza
I am so very sorry for your loss. You have my deepest sympathy. Prayers!
Thomas Widgeon
Sorry For Your Loss