James Stratman Ridgway

We are eternally grateful for the years we were blessed with our beloved James S Ridgway.

James passed away peacefully at the Creekside in Pensacola, Florida on Wednesday, October 5th, 2011 at the age of 75 due to complications from Alzheimer’s. He was born in Paintsville, KY on July 27th, 1936 to James and Katherine Ridgway. Among the various honors James achieved were Kentucky Colonel and Omicron Delta Kappa. James was also a member of Pi Kappa Phi, American Chemical Society. After graduating with a Ph.D in chemistry at University of Louisville, James married Bernice Schmitt. In about a year their first son, Keith was born. Shortly there after, James and Bernice moved to Raleigh, North Carolina where James began his career with Chemstrand as a Research Chemist. Eighteen months after their first son was born, Brian, their second son was born.

James continued to work at Chemstrand developing polymers for nylon carpets. Due to his exceptional work, James was asked to move to the Pensacola, Florida Chemstrand / Monsanto location in 1968.

Over the next 25 years James would earn over 20 patents for his research. James did the initial research leading to the development of the “Stainblocker” formula for Monsanto’s carpet.

James retired in 1993 and he and Bernice traveled together and shared their dreams going to such places as Ireland, Wales, England, Hawaii, Alaska, Scotland and France. They took cruises together and they celebrated their retirement.

James is survived by his wife of 52 years Bernice, his two sons, Keith and Brian, his daughter-in-law, Cheryl, and his grandchildren Sarah, Shaun, Morgan and Cole.

• Catholic Funeral Mass to be celebrated by Monsignor Michael Mooney,

• Pallbearers – Shaun Ridgway, Scott Gadolin, Tom Skinner, John Kirk MacPhail, Keith MacPhail , Matt Phillips

• Honorary pallbearers, John F MacPhail, James Sunday, John Bartoscewicz, Russ Clements, Randy Comeau, Robert L Pate

• Presentation of the Gifts – Sarah Ridgway Mulligan, Shaun Ridgway, Iain Mulligan, Mike Whetstone, Reese Williams

Interment will follow in Eastern Gate Memorial Gardens.

James loved the following Scripture and song and we’d like to share with you, “I am the Bread of life,

He who comes to Me shall not hunger,

He who believes in Me shall not thirst.

No one can come to Me

Unless the Father draw him.

And I will raise him up,

And I will raise him up,

And I will raise him up on the last day.

Donations may be made to the Covenant Hospice Pensacola Team 2001 N Palafox St

Pensacola, FL 32501.

A special thank you to the caregivers, nurses, and angels, at Creekside Senior Village and Pensacola Covenant Hospice who have cared for James and our family during our time of need.

Arrangements under the direction of Eastern Gate Memorial Funeral Home, Pensacola, FL.