James A. Ricketts

James Ardis (Jay) Ricketts, 88, was called home to our Lord Sunday, May 5, 2019. He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years Lotus M. Ricketts. Jay is also survived by his children: Debra Shafer, David Ricketts,Francie Crain and husband Jeff, Mark Ricketts and wife Suzanne, Dona Holmes and husband Patrick. Siblings: Forrest Ricketts and wife Nelda Guy, Albert Ricketts and wife Jean, Mary Beth Smith, Ralph Ricketts and wife Carmelita, Fred Ricketts and wife Sheryl, and brother-in-law Jerry Root and wife Donna. Also survived by his grandchildren: Siegred Shafer, Kurt Shafer and wife Ann, Clint Shafer and wife Kimberly, Elizabeth Holmes, Jaymes Holmes, Olivia Holmes, Danielle Holmes and fiance Jesus Bolaina, Josh Ricketts and wife Courtney, Jessica Young and husband Chuck, Jake Ricketts and wife Paige, Jeffrey Crain, Jeremy Crain and wife Ashley, and James W. Ricketts. Also great grandchildren: Jackson Shafer, Avery Shafer, Everly Ricketts, and Elle Ricketts; and many, many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and cousins.

Jay was the first child born to James Moyer Ricketts and Mary Ella Hershey Ricketts in Hereford, Texas on November 29, 1930. He was the oldest of six children. He attended schools in Hereford, Texas and later served in the U.S. Air Force from 1950 to 1954. The Ricketts and Root families attended the same church and upon his return from the service, Jay met his wife, Lotus Marie Root, at the Disciples of Christ- First Christian Church of Hereford, in 1954. They fell in love and were married by Lotus's father, Rev. Don Root, on June 17, 1955.

Jay and Lotus had five children and lived in Lubbock, Texas and Denver, Colorado before settling in Houston, Texas in 1966. Jay began his 30 year aircraft maintenance control career while serving in the U.S. Air Force before working for Trans Texas Airlines, which later became Texas International and then Continental Airlines. He retired from Continental Airlines in 1992 and he and Lotus relocated to a new home in League City, Texas.

Jay was an active member of Magnolia Christian Church/United Christian Church of Houston, Texas where he served as a deacon and a member of the choir for many years. Later, he and Lotus became members of Cokesbury United Methodist Church of Houston. Jay enjoyed working with his hands and could frequently be found tending to his garden, running his business, Ricketts' Automotive, and building projects including his family's garage, deck and greenhouse. When not working outside, Jay was an avid reader, and particularly enjoyed western and suspense novels. Jay loved vacationing with his wife and children during the summer months each year and his favorite destinations were in the Colorado Rockies. Jay was known for his soft-spoken low gravelly voice and his dry sense of humor. Jay's most passionate endeavor was spending time with his children and grandchildren. He kept an optimistic and positive outlook on life right up to the end and could be heard asking others how they were doing each day, even as his strength waned.

Visitation and Memorial Service for Jay are to be held on Tuesday, May 14, 2019, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon and 12 noon at Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home and Cemetery.