Ricky R Jotham

Ricky R. Jotham (Rev), 55, of Sparta passed away peacefully at his home with family by his side, Wednesday, April 13, 2022 after battling a brief illness. Rick was born June 12, 1966 in Sparta to Carson and Karen (Wells) Jotham.

He grew up in Cataract and went to Cataract Elementary School and graduated from Sparta High School. Rick did roofing and later worked at Sparta Manufacturing until the factory closed. He then went to work at Sparta Tool & Manufacturing until he had to leave because of health reasons.

On November 10, 1984 he married Cheryl Endres. They had one son, Justin Jotham, and later divorced.

Rick was an extremely hard worker and was always helping others. He was a man of his word and would give you the shirt off his back. He took great pride in his house, yard, and garden. When Rick wasn’t working overtime, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, and on occasion could be seen enjoying a Budweiser with his closest family and friends. In his earlier years, he enjoyed going to tractor pulls with his dad and brothers and pulling John Deere tractors himself. He brought home many trophies for his effort. Most recently, Rick enjoyed the time he got to spend with family and friends while playing scratch off tickets, trying to hit it big.

Rick met his significant other Kelly Kotajarvi, and they were together for 17 years, until she passed away in 2020. 

Rick is survived by his son, Justin (Anna) Jotham; two granddaughters (his little Rev-ettes), Libby Leis and Toryann Jotham; his parents Carson & Karen Jotham; brothers, Randy (Kory) Jotham and Joey (Heidi) Jotham; sister Rhonda (Lynn) Abbott; many nieces and nephews; and many other family and friends. He is also survived by his companions: dog, Buddy and cats, Chase, Zippy, and Abby. Rick held a very special place in his heart for Kelly’s children, Stephan (Kristina Garbers) Ortiz, John Ortiz, David Ortiz, and Christina Moll.

He was preceded in death by an infant brother, paternal and maternal grandparents, and his significant other, Kelly Kotajarvi.

Rick will forever be remembered and love by all those who knew him. Knocka Knocka. Love you long time. Boom Shakalaka.

Funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 21, at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, with Reverend Roberta Nowicki officiating. A luncheon will be held at Cataract United Methodist Church following burial in Cataract Cemetery, in rural Sparta.

Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 20, at the funeral home and from 10 a.m. on Thursday until the time of services also at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com

Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ricky R Jotham, please visit our floral store.