James H. Ridgeway Jr.'s Obituary
James H. Ridgeway Jr. "Jimmy" peacefully slipped away on Tuesday May 24, 2011 at South Jersey Healthcare Regional Medical Center, Vineland, comforted with family by his side. Jimmy's journey is now complete. The play field ready, God called "batter up". Coach grabbed the bat, stepped to the plate and swung, as he rounded the bases, Jesus said, "Jimmy's going-going-gone…. Jimmy's outta here and he slid safely "home"!
Jimmy was born January 25, 1942 to the late James H. and Margaret Bernice in Bridgeton, NJ. A lifetime resident of Bridgeton, he was educated and graduated from Bridgeton High School. He was formerly employed at Major Clothing and retired from E.I. DuPont after 35 years of employment. A Vietnam veteran, Jimmy served two years in the U.S. Army, and was a long time active member of Central United Methodist Church in Bridgeton, serving the church in numerous capacities until he became ill. His name Jimmy was synonymous with the spirit of "volunteer-ism" giving freely of his time, finances, and faith. Serving God and community with 53 years as an active participant of the Bridgeton Babe Ruth League, member of the American Legion Post 95, a National / International Senator of the Jaycees, representing Bridgeton, Troop leader of Boy Scout Troop 99, member of the Kawanis Club of Bridgeton, member of the Board of Directors of Salvation Army, organizer of the annual Bridgeton Christmas Parade, and active participant of the Bridgeton Invitational Tournament at Alden Field for 35 years, coining the phrase 'hats, bats, and fanny mats". Jimmy was honored with the following recognitions: Bridgeton Jaycee Man of the Year Award, John A. Cowan Memorial Award, and George J. Woodruff Memorial Award; Inductions: Bridgeton Black Hall of Fame, Bridgeton Sportsman's Corner, and most recently the Bridgeton Babe Ruth Field's renaming to the Ridgeway-Hunter Field. It was once asked if Jimmy had a family of his own, the answer was Yes, because he personified the true meaning of parenthood. Jimmy was not only devoted to his personal family, but to anyone in need of encouragement urging them to "reach for the moon and if you fall short catch a star". "I can't" was never an option, saying "where there's a Ridge-there's a-Way". Jimmy was God's blessing to his family/friends, the Bridgeton community, and his country as God's Ambassador to the world. Jimmy will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. Jimmy leaves to cherish his memory, brothers and spouses Eugene "Bucky" , William Sr. "Billy and his wife Hester and family, James Jr. "Eddie" and and his wife Ruth and family, sisters and spouse Bernice "Patty" and her husband Kenny and family, and Constance "Connie" all of Bridgeton, and a special Godchild Kelly and her spouse Darnell McKenzie and daughter of Sewell, NJ. He is also survived by and sharing his memory, several uncles, aunts, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Jimmy was predeceased by his mother Bernice, fathers James H. Ridgeway, Sr. and James E. Hands Sr., brother Arthur Napolean and both paternal and maternal grandparents.
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