James Ross Ricketts

          WADESBORO - On Thursday, October 19, 2023, with his family gathered around his room, Mr. James Ross Ricketts, 87, beloved husband, father, papa, brother and friend, was called home to be with his Lord and Savior and reunited with his son, Keith.

            The family takes great comfort in knowing James has heard the welcome words, “well done good and faithful servant”.

Funeral services will be 4:00 PM Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at Mt. Beulah Baptist Church with Rev. Randy Storz and his nephew, Rev. Kevin Ricketts officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will greet friends from 6:00 PM until 7:30 PM Monday, October 23, 2023, at Leavitt Funeral Home and other times at the home.

James was born December 9, 1935, in Anson County, NC and was a son of the late Eugene James Ross Ricketts and the late Georgie Anna Harrington Ricketts. He was a graduate of Lilesville High School and member of the Kilwinning Masonic Lodge #64 in Wadesboro.

He had a long career with Winn Dixie in Wadesboro as store manager with 24 years of service. He later worked as a salesman with Huntley Buick for 20 years.

A life-long member of Mt. Beulah Baptist Church, James served as an usher for nearly 40 years and on the baptism and cemetery committees.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 68 years, Eugenia Johnson Ricketts; his grandchildren, Heith Ricketts and wife, Carly of Wadesboro and Kerry Helms and husband, Wesley of Chesterfield, SC; his great-grandchildren, who brought him so much joy, Hank Ricketts, Harper Helms, Kensley Helms and Charley Mae Helms; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Jerry and Sandra Ricketts of Wadesboro and Robbie and Janet Ricketts of Matthews; his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Richard and Elaine Johnson and Dawn and Bob Garris all of Wadesboro and Andrea and Chesley Greene of Lilesville and his nieces and nephews and their families.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Keith Ricketts, his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Stanmore and Christine Jones Johnson and his sister-in-law, Peggy Hildreth.

James will be remembered for quiet, yet warm personality and for being devoted to his family. He was the “rock” and mainstay for his family and lived a Christian example before them and his fellow man.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mt. Beulah Baptist Church, 3373 Country Club Rd, Wadesboro, NC 28170.

The arrangements are in care of Leavitt Funeral Home and online condolences may be made at www.leavittfh.com