James (Jimmie) Ryker, 87, passed away Saturday, April 29, 2023. James was born June 29, 1935, and was the only son of George and Bertha Ryker. He was a graduate of Wellington High School in the Class of 1954. James was a lifelong resident of Wellington with the exception of living a couple of his teenage years in Hollister, Missouri. James met his wife, Gloria Conyac in Wichita, Kansas, and they were married for 68 years. They were married in Oakland, California on September 17, 1954. One of their favorite things to do as a couple was dancing. In fact, they met at a party where their first dance together was the Bunny Hop! James was a man of many vocations. He was a butcher, elevator mechanic, material management personnel at Boeing, small grocery store owner, insurance salesman, auto mechanic, tire store owner, bank loan officer, auto mechanic store manager, and finally, was with the city of Wellington as a Power Plant Operator for 18 years before retiring. He enjoyed working in his garage on many projects during retirement and  traveling with his wife Gloria.

James is survived by his wife, Gloria of Manhattan, Kansas; his daughter, Shari Ryker, of Manhattan, Kansas; son, Mark Ryker (Mary Marek) of Newcastle, Washington; grandson, Anthony Ryker (Lacy Patterson) of Derby, Kansas; granddaughter, Elizabeth Ryker of Renton, Washington; grandson, Joshua Ryker of Gilbert, Arizona; and great-granddaughters, Amelia and Mikaela Ryker of Derby, Kansas. He was preceded in death by his parents, as well as James and Gloria's six-week-old infant son, James Michael.

At James request, no funeral service will occur. A private memorial was led by his grandson Anthony for the family.

Memorial contributions can be given to Wellington Humane Society or Wellington First United Methodist Church.