James C. Ridge, 84, of Jackson, passed away Thursday, April 7, 2022, at his home. He was born April 13, 1937, to the late Nara and Bernice Wilson Ridge in Jackson, Ohio.
Jim graduated in 1955 from Jackson High School and was a proud member of the 1953 and 1954 Championship football teams at JHS. Shortly after high school, he enlisted with the U.S. Marine Corp, where he served two years. He married Phyllis Wiley on December 20, 1961. Jim worked for over 30 years at GTE as a telephone repairman until his retirement.
Jim was a member of Christ United Methodist Church of Jackson and was an avid outdoorsman who loved bow hunting, fishing and gardening. He had an interesting and sometimes outlandish story for just about any topic, but the stories were all true. He was tough, hardworking, had a wonderful sense of humor and was fun to be around.
Surviving is his wife of 60 years, Phyllis Ridge; daughters: Kristie (Brian) Moore and Michelle (Steve) Sanborn; granddaughters (to whom he was known as Pappy): Kendra Perry, Molly Moore and Courtney Perry; a brother, Bob Ridge; and a sister, Betty Beatty; and a multitude of family and friends. Preceding him in death were his parents; a brother, Kenneth Ridge; and a sister, Carole Ridge.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 10, 2022, from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. at the Mayhew-Brown Funeral Home of Jackson, Ohio. The service will be held on Monday, April 11, 2022, at 11 a.m., also at the funeral home.
Jim was fiercely loyal to his family and will be greatly missed every moment, until we all meet again. The family wishes to thank the staff at Jackson Area Regional Dialysis for the excellent care he received for the last four years. In lieu of flowers and gifts, we request memorial donations be made to the American Kidney Fund at kidneyfund.org or mailed to 11921 Rockville Pike, Suite 300, Rockville, MD 20852, or information may be picked up at the Mayhew-Brown Funeral Home.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.mayhew-brownfuneralhome.com