James Wayne Ritter

September 29, 1965 - February 25, 2013 He was born to Mary Ann Ritter and the late John Ritter of Fort Collins on September 29, 1965, at Presbyterian Hospital in Denver. JAMES (Jim) (Jimmy) Wayne Ritter of Thornton passed away at his home on February 25, 2013. He had three siblings: step-sister Debbie Nieley, sister Johnna Crawford and brother Mike Ritter. Some of Jim's favorite memories were playing with his next door neighbors, the Thompson Family, where he would play kick ball, kick the can, hide and seek, going to the local swimming pool, riding his bike, playing baseball at the park across street and other childhood games until his mother would call him home because it was too late. His favorite childhood memories included going to visit his Grandma, Grandpa and Aunt Mattie in Gordon, Nebraska. He participated in the sports of soccer, swimming and Tae Kwan Do. He loved playing his mother's clarinet and the saxophone in his high school marching band at Iver C. Ranum, where he graduated from as a member of the Class of 1984. Many of his former classmates have shared memories of how he made them laugh. Jim maintained close friendships with many of his high school friends through their fantasy football league, poker games and frequent use of his fishing license. He graduated from Metropolitan State College in 2005 with a Bachelors of Science degree in Computer Information Services with Advanced Certifications in Network Specialist in Information Services and User Support Specialist. The thing that brought him the most joy was being a father to his two sons, Nathan and Galen Ritter. He loved reading to them, taking them to Broncos games, playing video games, taking them to Cancun, reading with them all the Harry Potter books and taking them to Harry Potter movies and giving them the rich experiences of the outdoor life that Colorado had to offer such as hiking, fishing, white water rafting, Renaissance Fair and skiing. They also shared a love for dragons and wizards. He adored his niece, Nicole Crawford, and when she would come to down, they would ride in his truck and he would buy for her favorite toys or any Denver Broncos gear that she wanted. His girlfriend, who he called the love of his life, was Dianella and he felt that her two children, Danny and Sophia, were also his children. He loved spending time with Dianella and her family exploring the outdoors and listening to country music, especially Shania Twain. In the recent years, he adored his dog, Frosty and his cat, Shadow. It was like clockwork when Jim would roll into the dog park in his red truck with Frosty, where he would spend time with the many friends that he made at the dog park. He was known by his nephews, Christopher and Noah, as the “Num Num Monster” and the “Tickle Monster” as he chased them through his house. Jim's caring, loving and selfless spirit, his smile and laughter will be sorely missed by all. A celebration of his life was held on Tuesday, March 12, 2013 at 5:00 p.m. at the Crossroads Church in Wheat Ridge, a reception was held immediately following the service at the church's café on site. People were asked to bring a favorite memory of Jim to share with his family and his children. James is survived by his mother, Mary Ann; children, Nathan and Galen; sisters, Johnna and Debbie and brother Mike; his aunts, Jean, Gloria, Neoda, Irma and Irene, his uncles, Jay and Bill and his granddaughter, Melody Rose Ritter. Donations can be made to a fund opened in James Ritter's name to establish a memorial at his and Frosty's favorite dog park. Donations can be made at any Compass Bank to the account “In Loving Memory of James Ritter Dog Park Memorial” (Account #6708105641).