James Henry “Jim” Riddle, 59, of Novinger, Missouri, passed away Monday, October 20, 2014, at his home under Hospice care.

Jim was born December 12, 1954 in Fort Smith, Arkansas the son of Bill James and Freda Jewel (Black) Riddle. On February 12, 1977, at Pure Air Baptist Church, Jim was united in marriage to Susan Wilson.

Jim is survived by his wife Susan of thirty-seven years; one daughter and son-in-law, Rachel and Scott Abercrombie of Centralia, MO; one son Levi Riddle and fiancée, Brittney Middaugh both of Columbia, MO; one grandson, Zane Daniel Abercrombie of Centralia, MO; his two brothers and two sisters, Nimmie Steelman and husband Jack of Hartshorn, MO, Bo Riddle and wife Nyla of Arcadia, MO, Judy Gaither and husband Mark of Licking, MO and Billy Riddle and wife Valerie of Cedar Grove, TN; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Jim and Evelyn Wilson of Novinger, MO, Sam and Barb Wilson of Macon, MO, and Sandra and John Williams of Greentop, MO, as well as numerous nephews, nieces, and many good friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Freda Riddle; step-mother, Carol Riddle; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Raymond and Velda Wilson; and one nephew, Elijah Riddle.

Jim’s school years were spent in Arkansas and southern Missouri. Jim moved to the Kirksville, Missouri area with his family in 1973, at the age of eighteen. After his marriage Jim, his wife, and children resided in the communities of South Gifford, Novinger, and the Milan area before returning to Novinger in 2006.

Jim was called into the ministry at the age of 30 and was passionate about sharing the love of God. He was ordained in the 1990’s and pastored churches in the Milan and Trenton areas for several years in the 1980’s and 1990’s, as well as accepting invitations to other churches to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. Even when he no longer held a formal position, Jim continued to minister to anyone that God led him to. Many lifelong friendships were created from his ministry over the years.

Jim was an employee of Kraft Foods in Kirksville, for over 12 years. Other area employers in the past included Kewanee Machinery, Kirksville Daily Express, Con-Agra Foods, and Premium Standard Farms.

His hobbies and interests were many, as Jim always found something to be passionate about. He loved and played bluegrass music with his family from an early age. He especially enjoyed being outside, hunting, fishing, tromping through the woods and identifying plants, looking for Indian arrowheads, making primitive bows and arrows, and working with his horses.

Public visitation will be held Thursday, October 23, 2014, with family receiving friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the chapel of Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Friday, October 24, 2014, at Travis-Noe Funeral Home, with Pastor Glenn Cooley officiating. Graveside services will follow at Canaday Cemetery, south of Kirksville, with Pastor Robert Gange presiding.

Pallbearers will be Loren Martin, Steve Boyle, Ferman Hostetter, Greg Dabney, Bryan Thomas and David Sharp.Honorary pallbearers will be Gary Newsom and and Kevin Adams.

Expressions of sympathy in memory of Jim Riddle may be made to Canaday Cemetery or to Hospice of Northeast Missouri. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.