Jack Francis Ritter, Jr. went to be with our Heavenly Father on March 8, 2018 after a short but fierce battle with a complicated and rare autoimmune disease. Following a family graveside service, a celebration of his life will be held on Monday, March 12th at 11:00 am at St. David's Episcopal Church, 301 E. 8th St. Austin, TX 78701.
Born in Austin on December 19, 1933, Jack was a lifelong resident of West Austin. He graduated from Austin High School, received a BBA from the University of Texas, and was commissioned as an Ensign in the United States Navy. After serving on active duty, he graduated from UT Law School. He then was elected and served as a member of the Texas House of Representatives. Following many decades of practicing law, serving as a Captain in the U.S. Naval Intelligence Service, and developing real estate, he followed in his father's footsteps and entered into the gasoline business. He was President and CEO of Ricon Products, Inc. and a ConocoPhillips distributor. He was a member of the UT Silver Spurs, Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, Knights of the Symphony, Sons of the American Revolution, the Naval Order, St. David's Episcopal Church, and many other organizations.
Jack was a devoted husband, dedicated father, doting and patient grandfather and loyal friend. He adored Mary Hamilton Carroll Ritter, his wife of 51 years. They were set up on a blind date on July 15, 1966 and married five months later. They travelled the world together and recently spent three weeks in Great Britain. They worked with each other in countless ways. Together they built Ricon Products, developed and managed real estate throughout Texas and donated endless amounts of time to the community of Austin and many national efforts. Mary meant everything to Jack, and he wanted her involved in all he did.
After his U.S. Navy retirement, he continued his commitment to the Navy by serving as Vice President of the National Navy League and as President of the Greater Austin Council of the Navy League. He advocated for the interests of the Navy and worked diligently in Washington DC to increase support for the Sea Services. As Legislative Affairs director for the Navy League, he spent countless hours over many years educating legislators about the importance of protecting our nation's stability and world presence.
Jack Ritter never sat idle. Until his death, he worked six days a week, exercised daily, was an avid reader and researcher, and travelled constantly. A favorite pastime of Jack and Mary's was planning the next family adventure. Jack was passionate about his family and spending time together.
He is survived by his wife, Mary, his daughters Diane Ritter Wintriss and her husband Vic, Susan Clare Ritter Cade and her husband Michael Krakower, Valerie Chambers Ritter Aman, and Cheryl Anne Ritter Windom and her husband Kevin. Also surviving him are his adored grandchildren Michael Thomas, Lauren Mary and Natalie Faith Aman; Chandler Elizabeth Cade; Ritter Woodruff, Frances Greer and Wix Hamilton Windom.
He was preceded in death by his parents Jack Francis Ritter, Sr. and Frances Hulen Ritter, his brother Timothy Henderson Ritter, his uncle Victor Ritter and his wife Nellie, and too many friends.
Special thanks go to the physicians, nurses and caregivers that cared for Jack over the last few months.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Greater Austin Council of the Navy League; Midshipman's Foundation of the University of Texas; St. David's Episcopal Church; or the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation. http://www.myasthenia.org/
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18