Smola Ritter

Coal Valley, Illinois
James F. Ritter, 70, of Coal Valley, Illinois, died Thursday, December 1, 2011, in University Hospitals, Iowa City, Iowa.
Services are 11:30 a.m. Tuesday at St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church, Coal Valley. Visitation is from 9:30 to 11:30 Tuesday at the church. Trimble Funeral and Cremation Center, Coal Valley, is assisting the family.
James Francis Ritter was born October 22, 1941, in St. Paul, Minnesota, the son of Lawrence Ritter Sr. and Mary Angela (McDonough) Ritter. He attended the University of Minnesota, and graduated from the University?s flight program. He served in the Minnesota National Guard. He was a pilot for United Express, and had been a flight instructor and a test pilot. After retirement, he operated Reality Adventures at South Park Mall.
Jim was very involved with the Air Line Pilots Association Union. He was a member of Therapy Dogs Inc., and actively involved with the pet therapy program with his dog, Toby. He raced a Ford Lightning pick-up truck, and enjoyed restoring cars.
Jim is survived by his wife, Nancy; his siblings and their spouses, Larry and Char Ritter, Mary Jo and Tom Rogalski, John and Lori Ritter, Pat and Dedee Ritter, and Catherine and Bob Vekich; many nieces and nephews; and his wife?s parents, Sharon and David Ehlinger. He was preceded in death by father, mother, stepmother, Wyn, and sister Margaret.
Jim?s family invites friends to share stories and condolences and light a candle in his memory at www.TrimbleFuneralHomes.com.