(From Derfelt Funeral Home)James Alfred Ridings, age 87 of Oronogo, left this earth and was greeted by his Savior at 11:48 PM on Monday, June 30, 2025 at Freeman West Hospital of Joplin, MO.
James was born on March 14, 1938 in Cedar Vale, KS to the union of Harold C. Ridings and Luciel Anna (Kingsbury) Ridings. He graduated from Cedar Vale High School in 1956 and served in the US Army earning the rank of 1st Lieutenant.
Following his military service, he completed his education with a Masters Degree in Engineering from Pittsburg State University (formerly Kansas State Teachers College). He worked at Eagle Picher Technologies in Joplin for 10 years in their precision products division, and spent most of his adult life in South Dakota where he served as an elder in his church, worked as a farmer, and also raised pheasants. He retired in 2007, and moved back to the four-state area in 2009. He was formerly a member of the Jaycee's, and coached several competitive BB-gun shooting teams throughout the 1970's, many of whom competed and won at an international level. He was also a member of Smithfield Christian Church of rural Carl Junction, MO.
James was united in marriage with Linda "Gail" Ridings on December 15, 1979 in El Dorado, AR. She survives. Additional survivors include three children, Robin Hardin (husband, Keith) of Joplin, MO, Ryan Ridings (wife, Patricia) of Pittsburg, KS, Randy Ridings of Carthage, MO; two grandchildren Laura Ridings of Pittsburg, and Jahnee Presley of Carthage; one sister, Marcia Bacon of Talala, OK; as well as several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Luciel.
James was united in marriage with Linda "Gail" Ridings on December 15, 1979 in El Dorado, AR. She survives. Additional survivors include three children, Robin Hardin (husband, Keith) of Joplin, MO, Ryan Ridings (wife, Patricia) of Pittsburg, KS, Randy Ridings of Carthage, MO; two grandchildren Laura Ridings of Pittsburg, and Jahnee Presley of Carthage; one sister, Marcia Bacon of Talala, OK; as well as several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Luciel.
A visitation will be held on Monday, July 7, 2025 at Smithfield Christian Church from 10:00-11:00 AM, followed by the funeral service beginning at 11:00 AM. Pastor Robert Lewis will officiate.
Burial will take place at Highland Cemetery in Winfield, KS at 12:00 PM on Tuesday, July 8, 2025. Pastor Aaron Schumann will officiate.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Smithfield Christian Church or Gideons International in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be expressed at www.derfeltfuneralhomes.com.
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