James Thomas 'Jim' Ridings

James T. ‘Jim’ Ridings, 87, of Greenville, passed away on Saturday, May 21, 2022, at HSHS Holy Family Hospital, in Greenville, IL.

Jim was born February 5, 1935, in Granite City, IL, the son of Urban L. and Beatrice (Travis) Ridings. He married Marjorie Ann Prior in Bentley, IL, at the bride’s family home.

Most of Jim’s life was spent in the Greenville community, as he lived with his family from the age of four and with his wife, since 1963. He graduated Greenville High School in 1952 and joined the United States Air Force directly out of high school, where he was honorably discharged after four years. From there, he worked as an electrician, in Moline, IL, as a carpenter for Daniken Construction, he owned and operated Ridings Orchard on Terrapin Ridge Road, and as a corrections officer at the Vandalia Correctional Center. His most passionate job was serving as a pastor, for many years, among the Primitive Baptist Churches of the region.

The three most important things in Jim’s life were church, family, and music. He was instrumental in starting the Little Flock Church in Edwardsville, IL. He was an excellent musician, especially on guitar, loved country music, and spending time with his grandchildren hiking the outdoors and enjoying time in nature.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Richard ‘Rick’ Ridings.

He is survived by his wife, Marjorie of Greenville; his sons, James M. (Linda Kenworthy) Ridings of Greenville, IL, Timothy (Marilyn Dir) Ridings of Kewanee, IL, Bart (Roberta ‘Bobbie’) Ridings of Morton, IL, Joel (Linda) Ridings of Haines City, FL, Rodney (Yuko) Baker of Scott Airforce Base, IL; daughter in law, Barbara Ridings of Greenville, IL; 12 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; and a brother, Melford ‘Bud’ Ridings of Jerseyville, IL.

Visitation: The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 pm, on Thursday, May 26, 2022, at the Assalley-Young Funeral Home, 118 E. College Ave., Greenville, IL 62246.

Funeral Service: 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 27, 2022, at the Mt. Nebo Primitive Baptist Church, 582 Mount Nebo Ave., Greenville, IL 62246, with Elder Robert Adam, officiating.

Interment will be in Mt. Nebo Cemetery following the service.

In lieu of flowers, plants, and other gifts the family suggests memorial contributions may be made to the Little Flock Church, C/O Tom Lewis, 420 Cherry Street, Edwardsville, IL 62025.

The family has entrusted Assalley-Young Funeral Home in Greenville with ceremonies.

Please visit www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com to share memories of Jim or offer condolences to his family.