James Monroe Ritter, age 87, of Harriman, passed away, March 22, 2021.

James was born July 11, 1933 in Harriman to Walter and Mable (Williams) Ritter. Most of his career was spent working at Jordan Distributing as a Tom’s Salesman. On September 28, 1957, he married Betty Fritts. Together, they raised three children:  Doug, Freida, and Karen.

He was part of the Coalhill Community, and a lifelong member of Coalhill Baptist Church.  James was a deacon there for over fifty years. He was a veteran of The United States Army, and served during the Korean War.

In his spare time, he enjoyed watching Nascar and Coalfield football, as well as being an avid UT Vols fan. He loved being “Papaw” to his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents: Walter and Mable Ritter.

He is survived by his wife: Betty; children: Doug (Lisa) Ritter, Freida (Todd) Smith and Karen (Dewaine) Lane; grandchildren: Shawney (David) Spicer, Ben (Charissa) Ritter, Jim Ritter, Shana Ritter, Brandon Ritter, Mike (Amy) Filyaw, Will (Brittany) Mattox, Matt (Jamie) Ritter, Kelly (Wayne) Milliken, Alec Ritter and Hannah Lane; great-grandchildren: Seth, Collin, and Evin Ritter, Grace and Scotty Miller, Addison and Michael Filyaw, Elsey Ritter, Alexia Milliken, and Briley Mattox; sisters: Delores Bennett and Mary Allen; brother-in-law, Dean (Patty) Fritts; and by a host of beloved nieces, nephews, extended family and everyone else that called him “Papaw.”

The family will receive friends Saturday, March 27, 2021 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Coalhill Baptist Church. The funeral will follow. Burial will be in Ritter Cemetery. Premier Sharp Funeral Home is serving the family.