Msgt Usaf

Jim Ridgway, 79, went to be with his Lord on Sunday, September 2, 2018. Visitation will be held from 5:00 - 6:30 PM, Thursday, September 6, 2018 at Elmwood Funeral Home, 5750 Hwy 277 South. Funeral service officiated by Reverend Jeff Hatcher will be held at 10:00 AM, Friday, September 7, 2018 at Elmwood West United Methodist Church, 1302 S Pioneer Drive. Interment will follow the service at Elmwood Memorial Park with United States Air Force Honors.

Jim was born on September 30, 1938 in Vinita, Oklahoma to parents Thomas and Lucile Ridgway. He attended High School in Oklahoma City before joining the United States Air Force in 1957. During his career in the Air Force he was stationed several different places and served two combat tours during the Vietnam War. He also met and married the love of his life, Beverly Hohler, in 1958. After 20 years of faithful duty to our country, he retired in 1977 while stationed at Dyess Air Force Base. After his retirement he owned and operated his own business, Moto Photo, in Tulsa, OK for seven years before relocating back to Abilene. In 1990 he began his own business, Ridgway Home Repair. He enjoyed working and helping people with their home repairs and serving the Abilene community any way he could.
He was a very involved member of Elmwood West United Methodist Church and volunteered for Meals on Wheels, Methodist Food Pantry, and Habitat for Humanity. He had a servant's heart and was always trying to help people and make a difference in their lives. When he wasn't working or volunteering you could find him out and enjoying working in his yard taking care of the flowers and landscaping.

Jim is survived by his wife of 58 years, Beverly Ridgway; two children, Cheryl Hatcher and husband Jeff, and Michael Ridgway and wife Sharon Koenig; three grandchildren, Kirby Salome and husband Ryan, Jordan Loomis and husband Chance, and Kathryn Ridgway; two great grandchildren, Daniel Salome, and Oliver Loomis; two brothers, Thomas Ridgway III and wife Beth, and Steve Ridgway; Several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas W. Jr and Lucile Caldwell Ridgway.

The family suggests memorial donations be made in Jim's honor to Elmwood West United Methodist Church or the charity of your choice.
Online condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.elmwoodfuneral.com

Visitation

Elmwood Funeral Home
5750 HWY 277 South
Abilene, TX  79606
Thursday, September 6, 2018
5:00 - 6:30 p.m.

Service

Funeral Service

Elmwood West United Methodist Church
1302 S Pioneer Drive
Abilene, TX  79606
Friday, September 7, 2018
10:00 a.m.

Cemetery

Elmwood Memorial Park
5750 HWY 277 South
Abilene, TX  79606