Jason L. Ritter

JASON LYNN RITTER Jason Ritter, age 33, passed away at home in Parker, Colorado, surrounded by his loving family, on March 17, 2011, following a courageous and inspiring nine-month battle with cancer. Jason was born on July 1, 1977 in Woodstock, Illinois to Rex and Loreen Ritter. He was a graduate of Harvard, Illinois, High School and McHenry County College. He received his B.A. in Geography and Secondary Education from Western Illinois University, where he went on to obtain a Master's Degree in Political Science-International Studies. He was a recipient of the Marine Corp Foundation Scholarship, and at that presentation received a rare original print of the famous Iwo Jima flag-raising photograph, personally signed by photographer Joe Rosenthal. He also obtained post-graduate certifications in Geography Education and A.P. Human Geography from the University of Northern Colorado. At Western Illinois, he served as the Assistant Director of Student Housing, supervising 21 resident assistants and forming lasting and valued friendships with many students. Jason inspired and mentored hundreds of youths during his successful teaching career, which he dearly loved. He taught Social Studies at Eaglecrest High School in Centennial, CO, Falcon Creek Middle School in Aurora, CO, and Columbia Middle School in Aurora, CO. In 2007 he was on the "core" team opening the new Legend High School in Parker, CO. At Legend he taught A.P. Human Geography, World Geography, Ancient Civilizations, and U.S. History. He served as the Social Studies Department Chairman, and was the advisor for student government. He also very much enjoyed coaching the boys' J.V. basketball team. Jason was the 2010-2011 Apple Award Representative, and was named the 2010 Outstanding Faculty Member of Legend High School. He was very proud of the many scholastic achievements of his students, and their affection, respect, and admiration for him was obvious. Jason was an excellent basketball player, and inherited his love of outdoor sports from his father, Rex. His hobbies included basketball, hiking and camping, video games, and late-night poker games with his friends. Jason was a man of strong Christian faith, and a member of Parker Evangelical Presbyterian Church. He enjoyed speaking of his faith, and participated in a Christian basketball ministry team visiting Colorado prisons. His half-time testaments were well received by the most hardened offenders. Jason met the love of his life, Audra Graham, on a blind date arranged by friends, and they were married on July 31, 2005. They made their home in Parker, CO, and were blessed with a son, Lincoln Graham Ritter, on January 8, 2010. The Ritter family enjoyed trips in the Colorado mountains and around the United States, from Hawaii to the Outer Banks of N. Carolina, as well as the beaches of Lake McConaughy in Nebraska with Audra's parents, Larry and Kathy Graham of Sterling. After his diagnosis of signet ring colon cancer in June, 2010, Jason fought a determined battle against the disease, and enjoyed sharing his inspiring story with others. His all too short but productive and joyful life serves as an example for all young people. He is survived by his wife Audra and son Lincoln, his parents Rex and Loreen Ritter and brother Brant Ritter of Harvard, Illinois, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. A Memorial Service is planned for 6:30 pm, Monday, March 28, 2011, at Southeast Christian Church, 9650 Jordan Road, Parker, CO. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: 1. Legend High School Student Scholarship Fund, checks payable to DCEF Jason Ritter Memorial Fund, c/o Legend High School, 22219 Hilltop Road, Parker, CO 80138. 2. Cancer Research through Stand Up to Cancer, standuptocancer.org or by mail to SU2C, file 1224, 1801 W. Olympic Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91189-1224. 3. Lincoln's College Fund, Wells Fargo Account #xxxxx92209, or checks payable to Lincoln Ritter, c/o Ponderosa Valley Funeral Services, 10470 S. Progress Way, Parker, CO 80134. Service Information