James Donald Ritchie, born in Kansas City, Mo. in June 1935, passed away surrounded by family and friends at Springfield Mercy Hospital in Springfield, MO at 5:00 p.m., May 18, 2026.
James was the son of Benjamin and Chloie Ritchie, both deceased, and the oldest of five children. He is survived by his sister, Becky Lewellen, Slater, Mo. and his daughter, Lynne Reynolds, Seattle, Wash. He was married to Kathryn Redburn on May 8, 1959, and celebrated 50 years of marriage before her death in 2010.
James graduated with a Bachelor of Journalism, University of Missouri, Columbia, Mo., August 1967 and had a long, successful career as a freelance photojournalist writing for publications such as Today’s Farmer and Farm Journal. He was especially known for his weekly “Grain of Salt” column in the Versailles Leader Statesman. He also authored multiple books on such topics as log cabins, tools, and alternative sources of energy.
Prior to working in journalism, James served on active duty with the US Navy from 1954 to 1965, resigning with the rank of Lieutenant. He was awarded the United Nations Service Medal, the China Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal with cluster.
His was a life well lived and he will be deeply missed.
Visitation services will be held Sunday, May 24, 2026, at Carter Funeral Home Chapel, West Plains, Mo. from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, May 24, 2026, at Carter Funeral Home Chapel, West Plains, Mo.
Burial will be held at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, Howell County, Mo., under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc., West Plains, Mo.
