James D. Ridgeway, 56, of Kirksville, Missouri, passed away Sunday, December 5, 2021 at Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville.

James was born on February 18, 1965 in Unionville, Missouri, to Johnny Orville and Carol Jeannine (Stull) Ridgeway. He was united in marriage to Lana Kay Beeler on June 8, 1996 in Kirksville.

James is survived by his wife; one son, Zane Ridgeway of Kirksville; one daughter, Allison (Kadrian) Edwards of Kirksville, two brothers, Billy (Michelle) Ridgeway of Lancaster, Missouri, and Danny (Tammy) Ridgeway of Union, Missouri; one grandchild, Kaiser Edwards.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one son, Zachary Ridgeway.

James graduated from Putnam County High School with the class of 1983. He began trucking in 1990, working for S&H, Alizan and RRR trucking with his dad. He worked for Bangert Trucking for many years before purchasing some of their equipment to start his own Ridgeway Trucking company.

James was baptized in the Unionville Christian Church. He was a member of the Delta Chi fraternity. He enjoyed playing poker, slow and fast pitch softball, riding his Harley, and going on beach vacations. James was a fan of the Kansas City Chiefs and collected guns. James never met a stranger and would give the shirt of his back to help anyone.

A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 11, 2021 at the Journal Building on Elson Street in Kirksville.

Expressions of sympathy in memory of James Ridgeway may be made to Lana Ridgeway for his grandson Kaiser. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.