James K. Ridgley

April 29, 1939 – December 15, 2024

James K. Ridgley, 85, passed away on December 15, 2024, at The Waters of Wakarusa. He was born on April 29, 1939, in Elkhart, IN, to Wayne and Frances (Beezley) Ridgley.

On December 17, 1967, in Elkhart, James married Carolyn Hummel; she preceded him in death on March 9, 2022. He was also preceded in death by his parents; a son-in-law, Michael Snider; and two siblings, Norma Creecy and Robert (Betty) Ridgley.

Surviving are five children, Marilyn (Rodman) Bender, Linda Snider, Cynthia (Bob) Knight, Stephanie Ridgley, Teresa (Mike) Webb; nine grandchildren, Bodie (Franki) Bender, Brock (Shay) Bender, Blane Bender, Tanner Jerles, Abigail (Alec Schneider) Snider, Megan (R.J. Jones) Miller, Kristin Miller, Joshua Frye, Adam Frye; and five great-grandchildren.

James was a proud U.S. Army veteran and worked at Champion Tool & Die for over 24 years. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle in his younger years, going to the lake, fishing, boating, mushroom hunting, and most of all, spending time with his family.

Visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at Walley-Mills-Zimmerman Funeral Home, 700 E. Jackson Blvd, Elkhart, IN.  The funeral service will be held on Friday, December 20, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. at the funeral home.  Burial will be held at a later date at Rice Cemetery. 

Elkhart Cremation Services has been entrusted with the arrangements.