Dr. James D. Ritchlin, DPM

COLUMBUS - Dr. James David Ritchlin, DPM died peacefully on Easter morning, 31 March 2024. In his last weeks he was surrounded by family and friends. Jim was born 6 Sept 1937 in Niagara Falls, NY to John and Margaret (nee Brodie) Ritchlin. He attended Stella Niagara and Niagara Falls High where he began his life-long love of sport, joining every team available and haunting the Hyde Park golf course. Jim attended Xavier University and Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine, becoming a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon. Jim practiced medicine in Reynoldsburg and Lancaster

Ohio for 53 years. He loved being “on” for his patients and formed strong bonds with colleagues. He combined his medical skills and sense of service, co-founding a weekend clinic for homeless people where doctors, nurses and medical students volunteer care and attention to those who can not always find it. New Life Clinic still operates in Columbus’ Short North after 16 years. Jim was a wonderful father to son Jay and daughter Jill. From coaching any sport (even learning soccer in 1970’s Pickerington!) to a regular weekend breakfast and outing with Jill, he made time and space to help his children grow, thrive and feel loved. Jim was kind, caring, generous and fiercely loyal to friends and family. His humour and inexhaustible store of jokes are legend. He stayed in touch with everyone, calling just to see how people were doing. He loved music, frequenting Byrne’s Pub and the Shamrock Club with buddies and keeping an ipod packed with folk, Celtic and rock wired into his car. A self-taught banjo player, he brightened many occasions. He loved to visit Long Beach, Ontario and Ireland. He came to western Canada every year to visit his son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren, who loved their Papa Jim. Four years ago he had the good fortune to find love with Betty Giammar, bringing joy into each other’s lives. Jim is predeceased by his parents, John and Margaret and his brother Robert. He is survived by his sister, Marcia Shorr (Jim); his son Jay Ritchlin (Catherine Pedretti), grandson Devin and granddaughter Eilis; his daughter Jill Ritchlin; dear cousins Jeanne and Ben Meleca and by many loving cousins and godchildren in the extended Ritchlin, Shorr, Meleca and Broderick families. A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST, 1740 Zollinger Rd, Columbus OH on May 18th. Reception 2-3:30pm flowing into a memorial service until 4pm. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers please donate to the New Life Clinic. To share memories or condolences, please visit www.schoedinger.com.