James C. Ritchie

Jim Ritchie passed away February 3, 2014, following an illness. He was a beloved and cherished father, grandfather, great-grandfather, husband, brother, friend and mentor. Jim was born on July 29, 1927, in Lexington, OH. He served two years in the Navy before enrolling at UNM. He earned a business degree from UNM and a law degree from the UNM School of Law. He was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. While at UNM, he met Margaret Jean "Peggy" Sweeney. They were married for over fifty years before her death in 2004. Jim was a highly respected trial attorney, practicing for over fifty years with the Rodey Law Firm in Albuquerque. He was known for his skill, integrity, honesty and sense of humor. He mentored numerous young lawyers, teaching them not only legal skills, but life skills. Jim loved to golf, fish and cheer on the Lobos, but his true joy came from time spent with and supporting his family. Jim is survived by: his children, Charles (Patricia), Chris (Susan), Carol Ish (Mark), Cathy Reardon (Tim); his 10 grandchildren, Luke (Tarrah), Jacob (Kelli), and Nathan Ritchie; Eric and Scott Ritchie; Travis, Casey and Catie Ish; Kelly and Erin Reardon; five great-grandchildren; his brother William Ritchie (Betty) and sister Carolyn Sue Wilson; many nieces and nephews; and his loving companion Maxine Cowton. A reception celebrating Jim's life will be held on Friday, February 7, 2014 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Albuquerque Country Club, 601 Laguna Blvd. SW, Albuquerque, NM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Jim's name to the UNM Presidential Scholarship Program, UNM Foundation, Two Woodward Center, 700 Lomas Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102, or online at unmfund.org/fund/memorials-tributes for a scholarship to be established in Jim's memory. FRENCH - Wyoming 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE (505) 823-9400