James W. Ritchay, Sr., 82, Green Bay, passed away peacefully Wednesday, August 19, 2015, with his family by his side, following a short-term battle with cancer. He was born on December 28, 1932, in Wisconsin Rapids, to the late Aaron and Ethel (O'Brien) Ritchay.

Jim was a graduate of Lincoln High School in Wisconsin Rapids and also graduated from St. Norbert College. At both schools he was inducted into their sports halls of fame for his success on the basketball court. After graduation from college he served in the U.S. Army. Jim was Vice President and Treasurer of Fort Howard Steel retiring in 1999, after 35 years with the company.

He enjoyed plenty of activities, including playing golf, cribbage, skiing, refereeing high school basketball and tailgating at Packers games before going inside Lambeau Field to watch another win. Most importantly, Jim loved his time with his five grandchildren and watching them play sports.

He will be sorely missed by his many longtime friends, with whom he loved to spend time taking money while playing cribbage and golf.

Jim was a long-time member of St. Jude Parish, St. Jude Booster Club, was a former member of Oneida Golf Club and Northeast Wisconsin Accounting Association.

Jim is survived by his wife, Minnie (Knuth); sons: Jim (Sue) Ritchay and their sons, Jack and Eric, De Pere; Dave Ritchay, Chicago; and Doug (Cathy) Ritchay and their sons, Spencer, Ethan and Mason, Green Bay; his brother, John Ritchay Sr., Wisconsin Rapids; his sister, Jane (Rollie) Junk Carpenter, Mesa, AZ; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his in-laws, Mary Ritchay, Gene Junk, Ralph and Marles Quisler and Mike and Marlene Knuth.

Friends may call at Blaney Funeral Home, 1521 Shawano Ave., Green Bay from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, August 21. A Parish Wake Service will be held at 7 p.m. Friday with Deacon Paul Umentum officiating. Visitation will continue at St. Jude Catholic Church, 1420 Division St., Green Bay, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday, August 22. The Mass of Resurrection will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at the church with Rev. Dean Dombrowski officiating. Inurnment will be in Fort Howard Memorial Park. To send online condolences, please go to www.BlaneyFuneralHome.com.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Jim Ritchay's name to benefit St. Norbert College athletics.

The family would like to thank the staffs of St. Mary's Hospital Third Floor and Unity Hospice for the love and compassion they gave Jim and his family. A very special thank you is also extended to Dr. Groteluschen and his team, Dr. DeGroot and Dr. Winkler.