James D. Kricker

James D. Kricker, 89, of Portsmouth, died Friday, April 14, 2023 at Hillview Retirement Center.  He was born February 27, 1934, in Portsmouth, a son of the late Louis T. Kricker, Sr. and Jean (Fairtrace) Kricker.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his twin sister, Mary Kricker, two brothers, Louis T. Kricker, Jr. and George E. Kricker.  He is survived by a niece, Kristina (Kricker) Kovas, a nephew, James E. Kricker (Diane), and a great-nephew, Ryan Kricker, all of Colorado Springs, CO, special friends, Michael Russell, Sr., and Becky Russell of Portsmouth, Michael Russell, Jr. of Mount Royal, NJ, and Heather Posey of Frankfort, KY.

Jim spent 38 years working with financial institutions:  First Federal Savings & Loan Association, of Portsmouth, First Federal Savings Bank, retiring from Charter One Bank serving as their Southern Ohio Division President.

He was a graduate of Holy Redeemer High School, University of Dayton, earning a BS in Business Administration, served two years in the 11th Armored Calvary Regiment of the United States Army, then six years as a Ssgt. with the US Amy Reserve and was a member of Holy Redeemer Catholic Church.

Jim was active in many local, volunteer, civic, and cultural organizations.  He was a founding member of the Bonneyfiddle Military Museum, a Past President of Portsmouth Area Growth Corp., Past President of the Portsmouth Kiwanis Club, Board Member of Southern Ohio Growth Corp. of Portsmouth, Treasurer of Southern Ohio Museum, Treasurer and Board Member of Portsmouth Murals, Inc. He served several terms as a Board Member of the Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce, and three terms for Shawnee State University Development Foundation.  He was a member of the Sons of the American Legion Post #23, Portsmouth Area Jaycees, Knights of Columbus Council #741, and Bishop Hartley General Assembly 4th Degree Knights of Columbus.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be 1:00 PM Saturday, April 22, 2023, at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Portsmouth.  Burial will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery with Military Graveside Rites provided by the American Legion, James Dickey Post #23.  Friends may call at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church one hour before the services.  In honor of Jim, please dress casually wearing his favorite color red.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Legion, James Dickey Post #23.

Melcher Hammer Funeral Home in Portsmouth has been entrusted with the arrangements.

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