James H. Ritch

James H. Ritch, 93, of Vista, California, passed away on Friday, August 16, 2019.  He was born in Pasadena, California, to Gladys and Oliver Ritch on August 18, 1925.

Jim served in the United States Navy and was stationed at Naval Air Station North Island, California during World War II.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 73 years, Mary Lou Bulen Ritch.  He was preceded in death by his sister, Virginia Ritch Line.  His sister, Carolyn Ritch Martin (Chuck Martin) lives in Hawaii.  He is survived by many nieces and nephews.

Jim and Mary Lou started their first church in Ventura, CA followed by accepting the pastorate for the church on the Rincon Reservation.  From there they went on to pastor the Foursquare Church in La Puente for 34 years.  After “retirement”, they pastored Foursquare churches in Orange County on an interim basis for a few years.  Jim was very active in the Foursquare Organization and held many positions there.  He also had a passion for Missions.

His other passion was cars and he enjoyed collecting small model cars.   He especially liked American-made GM cars.  He had several over the years; beginning with his first car, a Chevy he named Rosie, which he had when he started dating Mary Lou.  He loved to travel and made many road trips to visit family and friends and to attend Foursquare conventions.

Pastor Jim touched so many lives through his ministry and will be greatly missed.  Many of his parishioners went on to become ministers because of his influence and continue to spread the Gospel.

A graveside service with military honors will be held Friday, August 30th, at 11 a.m. at Forest Lawn, Covina, California and a celebration of his life will be held at the Vista Christian Fellowship Foursquare Church in Vista on Saturday, August 31st, at 1 p.m.

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