James Thomas Ridgway

On January 27, 2022 the good Lord called James Thomas Ridgway to his heavenly home.  In the early morning hours, with his wife holding his hand, he breathed his last after a long battle with rare cancer.  He leaves beautiful memories with his wife Elise (nee Toye) of 22 years, his mother Catherine, his daughter Jaime Creachan, his “daughters” Pamela (Ron), Jill (Jason), “son” John (Jaime).  Jimmy counts as his grandchildren the following, beginning with eldest; Austin, Tammy, Grant, Paige, Sabrina, Lauren, Taylor, Joseph, Grace, Abby, Ellie, Ben, and little Maddie. Jimmy is pre-deceased by his father Allen, his brother Robert “Bobby”.  He leaves behind siblings and spouses, as he called them: Allen, Eddie (Stacy), Rich (Michelle), Nancy, Linda (Bill), and Barb and many nieces, nephews, Aunts, Uncles, cousins, coworkers and a large church family.  So many will deeply miss the sweet, funny presence of this simple, happy man.  Jimmy loved the Lord, his wife, and his grandchildren especially. 

Jimmy logged countless road hours driving for Delaware Valley Floral group.  He had a passion for driving school bus as a second job for over 30 years.  He was blessed and humbled to serve in ministry at Calvary Chapel Philadelphia for more than a decade.  His joy was to serve.  He has many foundational memories of his childhood and youth spent at Barnsboro Baptist Church, NJ.  He and his wife enjoyed camping, the shore and nature.  Home, yard and auto care were his busy work.  He loved raking leaves, holding babies and pumpkin pie.  A simple  man who enjoyed everyday life.   Jimmy was well loved, always ready to proclaim, “I am better than I deserve.”  Today we know he truly is.  

We will gather to celebrate Jimmy’s life on Saturday February 19^th, 11am at Calvary Chapel Philadelphia, 13500 Philmont Avenue, Philadelphia 19116.