James J. Ricker, 64, of Leipsic, surrounded by his loving family, passed away on Tuesday, May 10, 2016 at St. Rita's Hospital in Lima, Ohio.

He was born on July 16, 1951 to James and Mary (Verity) Ricker in Lima, Ohio. On February 23, 1973 he married Kay (Hubert) Ricker, who resides in Leipsic, Ohio. James worked at General Motors in Defiance for 40 years, and was a member of UAW Local #211. For over 20 years, James coached girls’ softball in Defiance and Continental from youth leagues through high school. He enjoyed golfing, bonfires, fishing, hunting, spending time with his family and friends, and he loved the outdoors.

James is survived by his loving and devoted spouse of 43 years, wife Kay Ricker of Leipsic, mother Mary Lou Ricker of Glandorf, daughters, Christy Ricker of Ft. Wayne, Indiana and Jenny Ricker and her husband, Dr. David Haus, of Bangor, Maine, son Jimmy Ricker of Bangor, Maine, grandson Jordan Davis of Ft. Wayne, Indiana, brothers David (and his wife, Linda,) Ricker of Ayersville, and Dale Ricker of Kalida, sisters Debbie (and her husband, Roger,) Peterson of Ottawa, and Becky (and her husband, Tom) Miner of Continental.
 
He was preceded in death by his father, James (Joe) Ricker.

“Jim” or “Jimmy” (as he was known by family and friends) retired from General Motors, Powertrain, in 2006. After that, he drove truck for the Stoeller Brothers in Paulding County and also worked as a janitorial manager at Protec in Leipsic, Ohio. He silently battled Type 2 Diabetes for many years, and ultimately succumbed to the overwhelming complications it produced. His family wishes that Jim be remembered in the way that he lived the best years of his life; active, entertaining, compassionate, warm-hearted, and filled with good conversation.

Visitation with the family will be held from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Sunday, May 15, 2016 at Schaffer Funeral Home, Defiance. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, May 16, 2016 at the funeral home, with Pastor Linda Lockwood officiating.

Memorials are suggested to the American Diabetes Association. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com .