James M. Ricks, II

James M. Ricks II , 76, passed away unexpectedly on March 8, 2016. Devoted husband of 53 years to Marcia Louise (Geiger). Beloved father of James M. (Tina) Ricks, III, Stephanie (Timothy) Clancy, and Danielle Ricks. Loving grandfather of Samantha Lester, Casey Ricks, Madison (Travis) Seng, Simon Clancy, Zoe Clancy, Noah Ricks, Seth Ricks, Ruthie Clancy and Sullivan Clancy. Brother of Steven Ricks and Roger (Lynn) Ricks and uncle of Steven, Richard, Jack, Scott and David Ricks. Jim is preceded in death by his parents James M. Ricks and Clara Louise (Jerry) Ricks, his brother Jack Ricks, and his granddaughter Isabelle Rae Clancy. Jim was born in Lafayette Indiana on February 11, 1940. He graduated from Purdue University with a bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering after which he moved to St. Louis, MO for a career at McDonnell Douglas, now Boeing, which he retired from after 40 years of service. Jim was a devout Christian and was a member of the Florissant Valley Baptist Church for 44 years. Jim served as a Deacon and had many friends there. Jim (known as “R2” by his buddies) was always active in a variety of sports. He played softball and basketball for many years with his son Jamie. Recently he switched to the less strenuous activities of billiards and fantasy NASCAR. R2 always kept his competitive edge. He would never LET anyone win…you had to BEAT him. Anyone who came in contact with Jim knew that he didn’t hold back in telling you his opinion. Whether you were family or an unlucky waiter… (Who would only get 10% gratuity to the penny). You always knew through his “sarcasm” where he stood on things. Even though Jim was direct, we all knew inside he had a big heart, loved his family deeply and would be there if you needed him. Jim’s very stable presence in our lives will be missed greatly by all of his family and friends. We thank all of you for celebrating Jim’s life with us and would love to hear from you with your memories of Jim. Visitation will be Sunday, March 13, 2016, 4 - 8pm, at HUTCHENS Mortuary, 675 Graham Rd, Florissant. Services are Monday, March 14, 2016, 10am at Florissant Valley Baptist Church, 1025 N. Hwy 67, Florissant. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Florissant Valley Baptist Church in memory of James Ricks II.

James M. Ricks, II

February 11, 1940 - March 8, 2016