James "Jim" Dean Ricker

James “Jim” Dean Ricker passed away peacefully on October 2, 2025 at his home in Knoxville, TN. Jim was surrounded by his wife Patti Ricker, his daughter Lindsey Ricker Morisoli and his son-in-law Matteo Morisoli. Jim was proceeded in death by his mother, Mary Ricker Baugus and his father, Bill Ricker.

Jim was born in Knoxville and earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee’s Department of Industrial Engineering. Through his education in software engineering, Jim spent much of his career as an entrepreneur and small business owner.

After retirement, Jim became a dedicated bridge player. While learning bridge, he saw gaps in available literature to study the game and proceeded to write several books to teach others how to play. He ran several bridge games in person and online. However, much of his joy came from teaching bridge and his students’ appreciation for his pedagogy was evident when he won the American Contract Bridge League (ACBL) “Teacher of the Year” in 2020. A majority of his passion for playing and teaching bridge came from a strong sense of belongingness from the bridge community.

Jim was a homebody, but his family often created excuses to explore the world together. Jim was also an avid reader. He also enjoyed snow skiing, racquetball, golf, scuba diving and cycling.

Jim and Patti were married for 38 years. Jim was a loving husband and father, and will be deeply missed. His spirit of kindness, humor, mischief and resilience will live in the hearts of his loved ones.

Any donations can be made to Tennessee Cancer Specialists at https://tncancer.com or the Sarah Cannon Research Institute (SCRI) at https://www.cfmt.org/funds/sarah-cannon-fund/.

To quote William Wallace, “Every man dies. Not every man really lives.” Jim really lived.