Johnnie Elton Ricketson (JR, John) passed away in Hospice care on July 16, 2024 at the age of 84. He was born in Dixie Camp, a railroad camp outside of Steinhatchee, FL., on March 5, 1940, to Monroe Ricketson and Annie Lee Cook Ricketson.
He leaves behind his loving wife Eileen of 60 years , and three sons; twins Jerry, Joey, and younger son Jamey. He also has several incredible nieces, nephews and grandkids that adored him and he loved them dearly. As well as his brother Tom, Lake City, and Sandra Gibbs, Dade City.
JR was the publisher of The Apopka Chief and The Planter newspapers. He served in the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division. He worked at several newspapers during his career from Florida to Texas and back to Florida. He was active in the Apopka community as a member of the Apopka Area Chamber of Commerce, the Rotary Club of Apopka and the Foliage Sertoma Club, as well as participating in many city events. JR was passionate about Apopka.
He was a believer in Christ and that was very evident in the way he lived his life and raised his family.
An avid fisherman, he spent any moment he had on the local lakes, and he knew the lakes and waters of Central Florida like his own backyard. There was no one better on or off the water.
Service details will be available at a later date.
This heritage started 67 years ago with Pastor Herbert F. Loomis, who founded the First Baptist Church of Daytona Beach, Florida, in 1934. In 1938 Francis E. Loomis, son of Pastor Herbert F. Loomis, received his license to practice Mortuary Science and in 1941 established Loomis Funeral Home of Winter Garden, FL. 
420 W Main St
Apopka, FL 32712-3452
Debbie TURNER says
Sorry for your love sending my prayers to the family and our community.What a great man
Rod Olsen says
It was an honor to have known John. A wonderful gentleman that I had the opportunity to get to know. I will miss our chats whether at City Council, community events and cherish most our discussions in his office.
May God Bless and keep Eileen, family and friends.
God’s Speed John.
Laurice Peterson says
My condolences 💐, thoughts and prayers 🙏🏾 are with you as you journey through this difficult time of grief. May GOD continue His blessings upon you. Laurice (M A Board’s daughter).
Ricky Tucker - The Social Prince says
My sincere condolences go to the family of Mr. Ricketson. So sad. I’ve known Mr. Ricketson since I was a little boy. He was introduce to me by my late Great Grandmother Mildred A. Board and was always so supportive with his words on paper and in person when it came to my singing career. He was there at every event, and even reporting on receiving my first Key to the City of Apopka in 1999 at just 11 years old from another great friend of mine Mayor John H. Land. My Grand Mother Laurice Peterson would call me all around the world and say I just saw Mr. Ricketson and he asked about you “How’s Jason” as they called me by my Middle name so often back then never Ricky. He was an elegant man and so very kind. His writing and reporting were unlike any other and he was a staple in Apopka Fl and all over this state. He will be truly missed and I’m saddened by this news now. As I write this so many memories flood my mind and I can see him now saying “How have you been Jason and what’s new, when are you singing again?” Wonderful memories I will keep with me forever. A great man and friend. Thank you for your service. Rest in Peace my Friend. All my love to the family. -Ricky Tucker- 🎤🙏🏼
DrO says
Blessings to each of you as you find your new paths.
Dan Kelley says
I met John through Rotary. He was one of a kind. My kids always knew he’d be coming on for tickles and laughs. He was such a great person and is already missed! Thoughts and prayers for the family.
Carmen Ruiz says
May the Lord. continue to bless the foundation and legacy you have leave behind. Your heart for Jesus, Family and Community were always evident in your character and how you treated others. I’m so thankful to have known you and I appreciate your encouragement throughout the years. The world was a better place with you in it.
Love and Prayers to your family.
Jeff Welch says
I had the honor to serve with John on the board at the Apopka Chamber. He was always the first one to greet me with that warm smile and firm handshake. He will be missed by me, his family and the entire community at large.
Rachel Jones-McKenzie says
I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Mr. Ricketson.
My very first job interview was with Mr. Ricketson when I was a senior at Apopka High School, just a month away from graduation. I applied for a position as a newspaper sales representative and vividly remember sitting in his office, surrounded by his vast desk, piles of newspapers, and awards on the walls—exactly what you would expect a newspaper publisher’s office to look like, so full of history. Although I don’t recall exactly what I said during the interview, I immediately liked him and was equally charmed by his wonderful wife, Mrs. Eileen. A few days later, on my birthday in 1996, I started working at The Apopka Chief & Planter Newspaper.
Mr. and Mrs. Ricketson instilled a strong work ethic in me that has stayed with me throughout the years. Mr. Ricketson is one of the three best men I have ever known. His kindness, steadfastness, fairness, and strong ethics enriched the lives of his family, employees, and the community. There is no one else like him. He set a high bar, and his legacy will live on in all who were fortunate enough to know him. I feel fortunate to have seen how he and Mrs. Eileen cared for each other, ensuring each had eaten lunch, and showing us “kids” a snippet of love and marriage and what it means to work side by side in everyday life. They often ate lunch together, and it was a treat if you could join them. I will always hear him say, “Rachel, what are you doing?”—just to make me jump and smile when I was deeply engrossed in my work. His passing has left a void that can never be filled. He will be missed and never forgotten. The mark he has left behind is etched in our hearts and minds.
May the Lord welcome him with open arms, saying, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!”
Mrs. Eileen, Joey, Jerry, Jamey, and family, as well as the Apopka Chief and AOS family past and present, you have my deepest sympathy.