James F. McRitchie 1955-2024
Jim passed away on 2/19/24 after a short illness. He is survived by his wife of 28 years Amy J. McRitchie; Son, Scott James McRitchie; Brothers Alan McRitchie (Renee), William (Bill) McRitchie (Sandy); Nieces and Nephews, Lauren McRitchie, Elizabeth McRitchie, Jayson McRitchie (Ami), Tim McRitchie, Matt McRitchie and Riley Stewart, Great nephews Cooper McRitchie, Owen McRitchie and Beau McRitchie. Mother-in-law Linda Svec and Sister-in-law Sally Stewart. And many cousins and extended family.
He is preceded in death by his father Floyd (Pete) McRitchie and his mother Betty Jean (Brown); nephew Charles Stewart and Father-in-law James F. Svec.
Jim was a law enforcement officer serving his community for 42 years. He started his career with Auroa PD and later 30 years of service with Cleveland Metroparks Ranger Department. For his first five years with Cleveland Metroparks, he patrolled Rocky River Reservation and then was transferred to the mounted unit as Seargent of Mounted Patrol. He spent the next twenty-five years in this role. Once he retired, he wasn’t finished and spent another 10 years with Portage County Sheriff’s Office as Captain of Administrative Services.
Jim loved serving his community. He followed in his father and grandfathers’ footsteps, becoming third-generation law enforcement officer. His Father Floyd (Pete) McRitchie was Chief of Police for Macedonia PD, and his Grandfather Floyd V. McRitchie was the Marshall of Macedonia.
At a very young age Jim and his brothers, Alan and Bill learned the value of a horse and took care of ponies on their parents’ farm in Macedonia. Jim continued his love of his horses, and it became a career. Jim was an avid horseman As the Sergent of Mounted Patrol with Cleveland Metroparks Ranger Department, he and the mounted unit attended endless parades and rode in the inauguration parade for Ronald Regan, while representing Cleveland Metroparks Ranger Department. He was a master of his craft and traveled the US and the Caribbean, training mounted law enforcement officers with National Mounted Police Service, Inc and Mounted Police Training Systems, Inc. He had the opportunity to work with many great people in the field of Mounted Police. He served as an adjunct instructor at Hocking College instructing Campus Park Patrol and volunteered his time to coach drill team riding at The Girl Scouts NEO.
Tradition was important to Jim. He was proud to wear his uniform and serve his community. He was a cop’s cop and always had your back. His favorite quote was “Honor is the Reward of Virtue” He lived his life like that quote. He would help anyone, anywhere. He was loved by so many people. He never met a stranger.
Jim had many interests, along with his father and brothers he was at member of Summit Masonic Lodge 213, Twinsburg, and belonged to Fraternal Order of Police #108, Macedonia. He worked with countless animal rescue groups. It didn’t matter if it was horses, farm animals or cats and dogs. Many miles were spent in the truck and trailer hauling all kinds of critters. He loved tinkering around with his tractor and taking care of his horses. He had many great dogs and cats throughout his life, Macy was his favorite. He loved country music and his cowboy hat and boots. He loved to travel. Jim was never one to miss a good party. He was so strong in conviction and faith. If it was right, it was right. His smile was infectious, his blue eyes sparkled. If he encountered an obstacle, you often would hear him say “Cowboy Up”. He didn’t sweat the small stuff. Jim had a beautiful life full of joy and adventure. He was always up for trying something new. He was such a beautiful soul and an amazing husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He deeply loved his family and his faith. The world was a better place with Jim in it. He was True Blue to the very end and will be deeply missed.
As we mourn Jim, we will honor him and celebrate his life on Monday February 26. Visitation hours 1-3 pm and 5-7 with a memorial service immediately following at 7pm. Ferfolia Funeral Home 356West Aurora Rd. Sagamore Hills, Ohio 44067
In lieu of flowers some organizations that Jim loved, if you would prefer to donate to in his name are: Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary, 5623 New Milford Rd. Ravenna Ohio 44266 https://happytrailsfarm.app.
