James Dale Ritchie was born June 11, 1961 in Seward, Nebraska to Arden George and Lorraine Fern(Mattes)Ritchie and passed away at his home in Seward, Nebraska on March 31, 2012 at the age of 50 years, 9 months, and 20 days. Jim attended Goehner Elementary School and was a 1979 graduate of Seward High School. Jim enjoyed playing little league baseball as a youngster. He was proud of the fact that he was born on his Great Uncle Jim's birthday and was his namesake. He enjoyed working on his mud racing truck so he could race on weekends. For several years he had a Harley Davisson motorcycle that was his pride and joy. Jim loved spending time with family and looked forward to holiday celebrations. Jim was a member of Friedens United Church of Christ in Goehner. For many years he lived in Kearney, Nebraska and was employed at Eaton Corporation as a machine operator until his health forced his retirement. Jim was preceded in death by his father, Arden Ritchie in 2004. He is survived by his mother, Lorraine Ritchie, Seward; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Terry and Sue Ritchie, Riverdale and Dave and Doris Ritchie, Seward; his sister and brother-in-law, Susan and Gordon Adams, Eagle, Colorado; several nieces and nephews.