James Howard Ringer's Obituary
James Howard Ringer, Jr., M.D., was born February 8, 1938 and passed from this life and into the next on the July 10, 2015 at St. Mary’s Hospital. He was born in Sullivan, Indiana to James Howard Ringer, Sr. and Kathryn Jane Phillippe. He grew up throughout Indiana (Sullivan, Dugger, Terra Haute, and Indianapolis) and earned his Doctorate in Medicine from Butler University and Indiana University School of Medicine.
During his 30 years in the Navy he earned the rank of Captain and served in Vietnam and received various awards and commendations. “Doc” was active in the Maranatha Assembly of God Choir, joining them on trips to Poland and England. He was also known for his speaking and singing abilities. Dr. Ringer was the Medical Director at Caterpillar, Inc. in Decatur, IL for 22 years and promoted occupational and travel programs for many of the employees. Upon his retirement from Caterpillar he joined the team at Decatur Memorial Hospital’s SHORE (Safety Health and Rehabilitation for Employees) in Decatur, IL.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents Dorsie and Veneta Phillippe and parents James Howard Ringer, Ph.D. and Kathryn Jane Phillippe, and brother – in – law Joseph Benham. He is survived by his wife of 37 years Virginia and three children Daniel (Laura) Ringer of Moraga, CA; Bernard (Gail) Ringer of Moraga, CA; and Sabrina Ringer of Decatur, IL: his brother Stuart (Phyllis) Ringer of Houston, TX: his sister Christine Benham of New Whiteland, IN: and his three grandchildren Beth (Jackson) Ford; Meghan Ringer, and Jim Lynch.
The family wishes to extend a special note of thanks for those from Comfort Keepers who took such good care of “Doc” the past few years. Special thanks also to the Special Ladies who also kept him in such good health and spirits. We cannot thank you enough for all that you’ve done.
Memorial services will be held at Maranatha Assembly of God in Decatur, IL the July 13, 2015 at 11:00 AM. Graveside services to be held in Dugger, Indiana. In lieu of flowers or cards you may make a memorial donation to Village Missions, P.O. Box 197, Dallas, Oregon 97338-0197.
The family of James Howard Ringer, Jr., is being served by the Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home, 2091 N. Oakland Ave. Decatur, IL. Please
view the online obituary, send condolences, and share memories at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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