James E. ("Jimmy") Richner

“Owner of The Jetport Restaurant”

James E. Richner, 84, of the Town of Niagara, NY, passed from this life, in the presence of his loving family, on Tuesday, September 24, 2019 while staying at the V.A. Medical Center in Buffalo, NY.  Born on April 4, 1935 in Ashland, PA, he was the son of the late Chester Richner and the late Cynthia and John Ashworth.  In April of 1959, Jimmy, as he was known to family and friends, married the love of his life and later his business partner and rock, the former Shirley A. Hammer.  She predeceased him on March 11, 2018.

Mr. Richner attended local schools including the former Trott Vocational High School.  PFC Jimmy Richner proudly served in the United States Army from October 15, 1954, until his honorable discharge on September 30, 1962.  He was extremely hard working up until his illness.  Mr. Richner began working for the former Spaulding Fibers, which he was employed for 14 years.  Jimmy then became an entrepreneur, owning and operating four family businesses, The former Jimmy’s American, located in Tonawanda and later, for 47 years, The Jetport Restaurant, Jetport Motors and Jetport Auto Sales all in the Town of Niagara, joined by his late wife, children and grandchildren in the day-to-day operations, in all aspects of the business.  Knowing Jimmy was to know a man of dedication….dedication to his family and his businesses, although in his spare time, he enjoyed racing and for 30 years, looked forward to his vacation in Daytona for the Daytona 500, which he spent with his boys.  Mr. Richner and his family also owned, operated and raced their own dirt modified.  In 2013, The Jetport was awarded “Business of the Year” by the TNBPA

Mr. Richner is survived by his children, Ricky (Marcie) Richner, Randy Richner and Ronny (Susan) Richner; grandchildren, Kyle (Sarah), Aaron, John, Chase, Lauren, Alexa and Brooke Richner and Tina (Raùl) Nùñez; great-grandson, Giovanni; siblings, Mary (late Richard) Luh, Dolores Jordan and Jackie (Tim) Swift and several nieces, nephews and cousins.  

Visitation will be on Sunday, September 29th from 3-8 p.m. in the Chapel of OTTO REDANZ FUNERAL HOME, 2215 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY, where a prayer service and Military Honors will conclude visitation.  In lieu of flowers, memorial offerings may be made to a veterans charity of one’s choice. Jimmy graciously donated his body to the Anatomical Gift Program of University at Buffalo. Arrangements are under the direction of Michael R. Goodlander.  Please visit www.goodlandercares.com for online condolences, memorial tributes and to view his tribute video.

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