James J. Ridings

“Well done good and faithful servant.” Matthew. 25:23

James "Jim" Joseph Ridings passed away on Monday, March 25, 2024, at the age of 70. Preceded in death by his parents, William and Esther (nee Schmidt) Ridings Sr., and brother Robert "Bob" Ridings Sr. He is survived by loving children Jason (Kalee) Ridings, Joshua Ridings, and Jennifer (Matthew) Sharp; cherished grandchildren Alex Ridings, Huston Ridings, Thatcher Ridings, Parker Ridings, Tyler Sharp, Caroline Sharp, Gentry Ridings, and Beckett Sharp; loyal siblings William "Bill" (Kerry) Ridings Jr., Evelyn Ridings, John (Sherry) Ridings, Gary (Angie) Ridings, Laura (Mark) Sloan; former wife Jean Maness Schiffer; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends.

After 70 years in his earthly body, our dad has passed on to his heavenly one. He loved his family, friends, and the church with abandon, expecting nothing in return.   Most of all, he loved the Lord with his whole heart. He had a story or illustration for everything that encouraged us to emulate Christ and live life with excellence. He always said, “you have to keep the main thing the main thing,” and that is how he lived his life.

Jim had an amazing work ethic, getting his first job at the age of 12 as a maintenance man at Nazareth Convent. He attended Cleveland High School where he excelled as a student and athlete. He attended Washington University School of Architecture before transferring to Bartlesville Wesleyan College. He completed his studies at Harris Stowe State Teacher’s College, receiving a Bachelor’s of Science in Education. He taught middle school math at Normandy Middle School for one year and then went into business for himself as a general contractor. He owned and operated his own business, Ridings Custom Construction, for over 45 years. He specialized in hiring people in need of a second chance.

Jim was a member of Webster Groves Church of the Nazarene, where he served as a Sunday school teacher, church board member, and youth ministry worker for decades. He also served in a variety of other ministries over the years, including compassionate ministries, missions, outreach & evangelism, and buildings & grounds maintenance. Jim had a heart for missions. He traveled to Albania, Belize, Ecuador, India, and Swaziland, Africa twice, managing building projects and spreading the gospel.

Although Jim will be greatly missed by all who had the blessing of knowing him, we know he is at home with the Lord and at peace.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to Nazarene World Evangelism Fund or Webster Groves Church of the Nazarene Children, & Youth Camp Scholarship Fund.

Jim's visitation will be held from 4:00P.M.. to 8:00 P.M. on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at John L. Ziegenhein & Sons South County Chapel, 4830 Lemay Ferry Rd. St. Louis, Mo 63129. His funeral will be held the following morning, April 4, at 11:00 a.m. at Webster Groves Church of the Nazarene, with a one-hour visitation prior to the service. Interment following the service in Oak Hill Cemetery.