James Tompkins Ridgeway

James Tomkins Ridgeway, 87, of Richmond, Va, passed away on August 5, 2024. Jim, the most loving and devoted husband and father, is survived by his wife of 64 years Jean, his son Jay, and daughter in-law Lea.

Jim was born in Halifax County, Va, to Otis Scott Ridgeway and Lucy Kate (Riddle) Ridgeway. Jim and his beloved wife Jean were high school sweethearts. Shortly after marrying on December 19, 1959, he enlisted in the Army. Upon leaving the military, they moved to Richmond where Jim began his career at DuPont. He quickly rose through the ranks as millwright, supervisor, and mechanical engineer. After a distinguished career spanning over two decades, he retired and was finally able to devote more time to his true passion (aside from Jean that is) - golf. He LOVED golf. He enjoyed reading about it, watching on TV, but most of all he enjoyed being on the golf course. Indeed, he was a founding member of Stonehenge Golf and Country Club. He also loved classic cars. He had a soft spot for Chevrolet; Bel Air and Corvette. In the 80s he purchased a fire engine red Corvette Stingray. He wisely sold the Corvette in 1986, right before his son Jay got his driver's license.

Full of energy, he was loath to sit still, always busying himself with projects and repairs. He even tried his hand at local politics and recently served on the residents association at the Barrington where he resided. Always quick with a joke, he will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

A memorial service will take place at 2pm on Saturday September 21, 2024 at Bon Air Baptist Church, 2531 Buford Rd, Richmond, Va 23235. The service will be followed by a celebration of life at Stonehenge Golf and Country Club, 1000 Farnham Dr, Richmond, Va 23236. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in his name. https://www.alz.org/