James “Jim” Rittenhouse, 89, Fort Wayne, Indiana, passed away February 16, 2020 at Apple Ridge Assisted Living, Fort Wayne, Indiana. The last of his brothers and sisters, Jim was born May 29, 1930 in Bippus, Indiana, to Glen and Ivadell Irene (Reece) Rittenhouse.
After graduating from Bippus High School in 1948, Jim went into the Army, where he served in the Korean War. Once returning from the war, Jim met Patsy Walgamuth, and the two were wed November 25, 1959. They were married for sixty years before Patsy died on February 11, 2020. To support his family, Jim worked as a supervisor at Zollner Pistons for over twenty years. He was also a member of New Haven United Methodist Church, New Haven, Indiana.
Jim had a magnetic personality and would light up a room with his kindness and compassionate spirit. He also had a great sense of humor and could make friends with nearly any stranger. Jim enjoyed playing cards with family, and every once in a while he would fall asleep during a game and immediately throw down his card and go out upon waking. For many years he sported a very impressive handlebar mustache.
The loving memory of James “Jim” Rittenhouse will be cherished by his son, Michael (Cathy) Rittenhouse, Greenwood, Indiana; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Jim is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Patsy Rittenhouse; son, James Geist; brother Ernest Rittenhouse; and sister, Norma Betten.
Family and friends may call Saturday, February 22, 2020 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at New Haven United Methodist Church, 630 Lincoln Hwy E, New Haven, Indiana. Funeral services will begin at the conclusion of calling. A graveside service will be held at Oaklawn Cemetery, 600 Beckley Street, North Manchester, Indiana at 3:00 p.m. on February 22, 2020. Chaplain Mark Perkins will officiate.
For those who wish to honor the memory of James “Jim” Rittenhouse, memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, 7020 A.C. Skinner Parkway, Suite 100, Jacksonville Florida 32256 or Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, Ohio 45250 or Heartland Hospice, 1315 Directors Row, Suite 206, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46808.
To send flowers to James “Jim” Rittenhouse’s family, please visit our floral section.