Dr. Jimmy Mack Ritchey

Dr. Jimmy Mack Ritchey, 79, of Stephenville, TX, passed away on Friday, February 27 at his home surrounded by his family. Jimmy was born in Colorado City, TX, on June 4, 1946, to the late Mack and Irene Ritchey. He graduated from Colorado City High School and went on to get his undergraduate degree from Texas Tech University, his Masters from Texas A&M University, and finished his education with his Ph.D. from Oklahoma State University. During his educational journey, he met and married Karen Sue Rainwater in Snyder, TX, on July 21, 1967, and they made their home in many locations as he sought his degrees. Along the way, they had two daughters and kept 29 foster children in their home. Jimmy started out as an agronomist/plant breeder specializing in sorghum. He worked at various seed companies while seeking his education. He also taught various agriculture courses at various universities along the way. In 1980, while a professor at Arkansas Tech University, he and Karen took the job of Campus/College Ministry at the Christian Student Center on the campus. In 1982, the opportunity to return to West Texas came in the form of a Campus Ministry job in Snyder, TX. From there he went on to teach at Lubbock Christian University and work as a campus minister for Greenlawn Church of Christ in Lubbock. He also got back into plant breeding specializing in melons especially the seedless watermelon. He continued as a plant breeder until retiring in 2020.

Jimmy’s hobbies included being a master knife maker with knives that sold all over the country with their unique blend of deer antler handles and high carbon steel. He also loved working with plants and flowers and helping anyone that needed advice on keeping them healthy.

Jimmy is survived by his wife of 58 years, Karen; two daughters and their spouses: Tammy Jones (and Le) of Stephenville, Tx., and Kimberly Taylor (and Nathan) of Boerne, Tx. He also leaves behind 4 grandchildren, Tylan Jones (& Nikki) of Lubbock, TX; Leissa Jones of Stephenville, TX; William Taylor and Jayden Taylor of Boerne; and 1 great grandchild, Mason Jones of Lubbock, TX. He is also survived by his siblings, Linda (& Alton) Raschke, Ray (& Amanda) Ritchey, and Gerry (& Gail) Ritchey, all of Colorado City. He also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

A special thank you to the doctors, nurses and Hospice workers that took care of him over the last several years making it possible for him to be at home as he wished.

A graveside service will be held on April 18 in Snyder, TX. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Graham St. Church of Christ Basic Needs Ministry (he loved to work their garage sales with them!) or invest in a community garden in your location.