Jack Lawrence Ritter Sr.

Jack L. Ritter died peacefully at Hospice Ministries Ridgeland on July 8, 2016. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, July 12th, 2:30 p.m. at Fondren Presbyterian Church in Jackson. Visitation with the family will be Monday, July 11th, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m., also at Fondren Church.

Jack was born in Belden, MS on November 29, 1927, the son of Ruby Robinson Ritter and Lawrence Cluster Ritter. A 1945 graduate of Tupelo High School, he served in the United States Marine Corp (1946 – 1948). Jack attended the University of Mississippi and received his LLB in 1952. At Ole Miss, Jack was a member of Sigma Chi and Phi Alpha Theta Law Fraternity. An avid Ole Miss sports fan, he continued to attend Rebel football games for 65 years.

Jack married Judy Walters Ritter, on July 26, 1952 and he loved her dearly throughout their 64-year marriage. Their first home was in Clarksdale, MS where Jack practiced law with Holcomb & Curtis and their son, Jack Ritter, Jr. was born. In 1956, Jack Sr. joined the California Company as a Petroleum Landman, and the Ritters moved to Jackson where their daughter, Ann Ritter Walthall, and son, George Howard Ritter, were born.

In 1960, Jack started his business as an Independent Oil & Gas Lease Broker which continued for over 40 years until his retirement at age 83. Jack was a member of the American Association of Petroleum Landmen and a member and past President of the Mississippi Association of Petroleum Landmen. Jack mentored many young men and women as they started careers as Oil & Gas Lease Brokers and formed lasting friendships with professional colleagues.

Jack was an active member of Fondren Presbyterian Church USA where he served as an Elder. He enjoyed reading, golf, stamp collecting, genealogy, and most of all, being with his extended family and friends.

Jack was predeceased by his parents and his sisters, Rosemarie “Bitty” Sneed and Dale Ritter; his brother-in-law, Thomas Price Sneed; and his son-in-law, Ralph Walthall. His love and legacy will continue with his wife, Judy Walters Ritter; his children of whom he was extremely proud Jack Ritter, Jr. (Linda), Ann Ritter Walthall and George Ritter (Betsy); his grandchildren who loved and admired him greatly Andrew Ritter (Haleigh), Jackie and Shawn Walthall, Kyle Ritter and Sarah Love Crawford (Bentley). Jack’s extended family includes brother-in-law, Dr. Carl Walters, Ecuador; nephews and nieces Jim Sneed (Melody), John Sneed (Stacy), Jeffrey Walters (Edna) and Lucy Walters Martin (Robert).

Pall bearers are Christopher Pinkston; grandsons Andrew Ritter, Kyle Ritter and Shawn Walthall; and great-nephews Will and Michael Sneed.

Memorials may be made to Fondren Presbyterian Church, PO Box 55434, Jackson, MS 39296 or Hospice Ministries, 450 Towne Center Blvd, Ridgeland, MS 39157.