James Edward “Jim” Ridings, age 72, of Sherwood, passed away peacefully on May 23, 2026. He was born on July 3, 1953, at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Little Rock, Arkansas, to Roy Edward and Kathrine “Colene” Ridings.
Jim grew up on Wildwood Avenue and graduated from Sylvan Hills High School, where he proudly played football. He continued his football career at the University of Central Arkansas. Throughout his life, he enjoyed sports of all kinds, and he spent many years coaching his daughters’ softball teams in Jacksonville.
He worked as a machinist for Club Aluminum and Plastics Ingenuity before retiring in 2017. In retirement, Jim especially enjoyed spending time outdoors with his wife, Vicki Goad, landscaping their yard, tending to plants and gardens, woodworking, building small furniture, and having breakfast at Waffle House with his grandchildren and friends.
Jim never met a stranger and easily made friends wherever he went. He especially enjoyed attending reunion lunches with his longtime high school friends. He loved conversation, laughter, and staying connected to the people who meant so much to him.
Jim was a member of First Baptist Church Sherwood. Though he had not attended in recent years, the church remained meaningful to him and his family, as his parents were founding members who helped build the church.
He is survived by his loving wife, Vicki Goad; his children, Kristina (Kevin) Beckner, Shawna (Rod) Whitmore, and Michelle Hughes; stepsons Wesley Goad and Mason Goad; sister Brenda (Ken) Davis; sister-in-law Becky Ridings; grandchildren Trent Criddle, Kelsey (Klaus) Eick, Katelyn Lauderdale, Paige (Jon) Brown, Hollyann (Jon) Narduzzi, Jalen Whitmore, Khristofer Lauderdale, Hannah (Grayson) Lee, Tate Beckner, Karah Dawn Charles, Heather Beckner, Kymberlin Charles, Morgan and Madison Goad, Daniel and Mae Goad; and great-grandchildren Scarlett Criddle, Quinn and Luca Eick, and JJ and Raeleigh Brown.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy Edward and Kathrine Colene Ridings; his brother, Ronald Edwin Ridings; and his nephew, Hunter Davis.
Jim will be remembered for his love of family, his hardworking spirit, his attention to detail, and the joy he found in gardening, grandchildren and giving time to those he loved most.
A memorial service to celebrate Jim’s life will be held on June 6th at 11am at A Natural State Funeral Service.
Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com
6 Comments
Met him several times at my son and daughter in law Paige house. Could tell he was a very sweet man and loved him his family.
Jim was a good man, friend and Christian. Always eager to help anyone he could with any task large or small.
His priority was his family. His love for his daughters was always first in his life.
Jim, you will forever be loved and missed
When I was in Jr High School, Jimmy and I rode the same school bus. He was 3 grades older than me and therefore would normally not associate with me, but the bus was crowded so I asked if I could sit with him. He welcomed me and from there forward, I sat with him. He didn’t speak to me much, but somehow always made me feel accepted and safe. It was so impactful that over the years I have often called it to mind. At the time, I remember thinking that wow, this nice looking, big, senior high boy is being nice to me. Therefore, I am not surprised to see the kindness he showed to kids throughout his life. I am so very sorry for your loss. Somehow, I think, that when I get to heaven, I’ll see that he has saved me a bus seat.
Being a next door neighbor, I spent time with both Jim and Vicki in good conversation and lots of laughter over many years.. A lot of good stories told.
He was such a kind and good guy. Went to high school with him, remember him well. See you in heaven, Jim. ❤️☀️🌞
So sorry for your loss Vicki. We were so surprised to see the news in the paper. May God bless you and all the family.
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