Obituary of James E. Ricker, Jr.

James Everett Ricker Jr. passed away on Monday April 8, 2024, in Highland Mills New York. Born on September 12, 1961 to Patricia and James Everett Ricker Sr, Jim will be remembered for his big smile, infectious laugh and wry sense of humor. A proud graduate of North Rockland High School in 1979, Jim furthered his education at SUNY Brockport and then Long Island University where he earned his Master’s of Education in 1985. His career was marked by his dedication and enthusiasm for teaching students physical education and health. For the first five years of his career, he was honored to work alongside his former North Rockland High School football and track coaches, who he revered. He continued his teaching career within the Newburgh Enlarged City School District where he spent 30 years teaching at Gardnertown Elementary School, among the most caring and compassionate staff. Jim formed strong friendships with his colleagues and touched the lives of countless children. Jim could always be found actively involved in every physical education class and he imparted to all his students the importance of physical wellness, teamwork and sportsmanship. In 1989, he married the love of his life, Christine O’Sullivan and together they built a family and a life that was filled with love and laughter. Jim was a devoted father who cherished and adored his children Matthew and Brianna. He played the unique roles of being their first physical education teacher, soccer, baseball and softball coach as well as their biggest cheerleader. He is blessed with an incredible soon to be son-in-law, Jeremiah Ramos. Although he loved all of us immensely, no one captured his heart more than his granddaughter Malina. Jim was an active member of the Woodbury Field and Stream Club and was an avid fisherman. He enjoyed years of fishing trips with his son Matthew, his brother-in-law Tim O’Sullivan, nephew LT O’Sullivan and fishing buddy Frank “Lefty” Alessandrino. For decades he was a diehard Yankee fan and an often disappointed NY Giants fan. He spent hours in the New York Sports Club with his 6:00 am workout buddies. Jimmy had a passion for music and loved listening to all genres, but he especially loved his huge collection of vinyl records which consisted of The Doors, The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin and many many more. He was predeceased by his mother Patricia (Craven) Ricker, his maternal aunt Kim Fondacaro and his maternal grandparents, Blanche and Francis Craven. He is survived by his wife of 34 years Christine Ricker, his children Matthew Ricker and Brianna Ricker, Jeremiah Ramos, his father Jim Everett Ricker Sr. and his mother-in-law Josephine O’Sullivan, as well as his sister-in-law and brother-in-law Maria and Timothy O’Sullivan. He is also survived by his aunt and uncles; Debbie and Frank Craven and Nick Fondacaro, numerous cousins and his niece and nephew. He was blessed to have lifelong friends (Greg Raho, John Witt O’Brien, Linda (Massochi) Baisley) who he loved dearly. Jimmy will be missed tremendously by all his family and friends. Funeral arrangements will be held from 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm on Sunday April 14, 2024, at TJ McGowan Sons Funeral Home 71 N. Central Highway Garnerville, NY. A funeral mass is scheduled for Monday April 15, 2024 at 10:00 am at The Church of the Immaculate Conception, 26 John Street, Stony Point NY. In lieu of flowers please make donations in Jimmy’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to the Ronald McDonald House New York.org