James Ritchie, Ii

James Pulaski Ritchie II, resident of Mobile, AL, passed away on Sunday, December 8, 2019, at the age of 90 years. Mr. Ritchie was born in Fannin County, Georgia on April 26, 1929. He was the son of the late William Hoke Ritchie and Ethel Couch Ritchie. He was an Eagle Scout and later volunteered as a Scout Master. He attended Georgia Technological University in Atlanta, GA and retired from International Paper Company in 1994 after a long career as a Mechanical Engineer. He was the recipient of a lifetime achievement award from the Society of Mechanical Engineers. He was a member of the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer and a long time member of the Buccaneer Yacht Club where he had held the offices of Commodore and Racing Chairman. He was both an avid painter and wood carver and leaves a legacy of artwork to friends and family, as well as professional pieces throughout the world. Mr. Ritchie is survived by his wife, Nidya Gutierrez Ritchie of Mobile, AL; 3 brothers, William H. Ritchie II of New Bern, NC, Robert T. Ritchie of West Minister, CO and Thomas B. Ritchie of Louisville, KY; 4 children Roxanne VanBokkelen of Sanibel, FL; James Pulaski Ritchie III of Indian Park, IL, Angela Raymond of Smyrna, GA and John Christopher Ritchie of New York City, New York; 5 grandchildren, James Ian Ritchie of Mobile, AL, Graham R. Ritchie of Mobile, AL, William VanBokkelen of Sanibel, FL, Frank VanBokkelen of North Hampton, NH and Chloe Raymond of Smyrna, GA.; other relatives and friends. A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, December 12, 2019 at 11:00 AM from Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, 7125 Hitt Road, Mobile, AL 36695. The family will receive friends at the church immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mr. Ritchie’s name may be made to Episcopal Church of the Redeemer. Condolences may be offered at www.mobilememorialfunerals.com.