James (Jim) Daniel Riddle's Obituary
James (Jim) Daniel Riddle, 88, of Abingdon. Virginia, passed away on Friday, December 6, 2024, and entered eternal life with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Born on June 30, 1936, to Mae Lee Williams and Ewing Dewitt Riddle, Jim was raised the son of a United Methodist preacher in a household steeped in faith and community. At the age of 16, following the death of his father, Jim became the head of his family, working tirelessly to help support his mother and younger siblings. His early jobs included positions at the Martha Washington Inn and a local hospital in Abingdon, Virginia.
Jim’s sense of duty and service led him to enlist in the United States Army, where he proudly served for 25 years. During his military career, he traveled to 48 states and 20 countries, rising through the ranks from Private to Chief Warrant Officer 3 (CW3). His service in Vietnam was recognized with the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service. While serving his country, Jim made time to pursue his education, earning an Associate degree from Middlesex College and a Bachelor of Science degree from La Roche College.
After retiring from the Army, Jim embarked on a new chapter at Virginia Tech University, first as a purchasing agent, then as Food Service Director. It was here that he became an enthusiastic Hokie fan and a mentor to countless students. Jim’s work in food service extended beyond Virginia Tech, as he also taught and advised students at New River Valley Community College in the hotel and restaurant management department when not teaching students at Virginia Tech. One of his proudest accomplishments was taking a group of students to Chicago for a learning experience they would never forget. Many of his students went on to successful careers in the hospitality industry, including owning restaurants and managing dining services.
Jim was an active leader in the field of college and university food service, serving as Vice President for Region II of the National Association of College and University Food Services (NACUFS) and Chairman of the Food Management Council for the Commonwealth of Virginia. Later, as a member of the International Food Service Executives Association, he traveled the world, evaluating military dining facilities and sharing his subject matter expertise with others in the field. For over 60 years he was a member of the Mt. Pleasant Masonic lodge #31 Abingdon, Va. F.&A.M.
Throughout his life, Jim’s greatest joy was his family. He and his beloved wife of nearly 69 years, Jerline Stewart Riddle, raised four children: Jewell (Ben) Willis, Jay (Laura) Riddle, James Riddle, and Janell (David) Johnson. Jim was also the proud grandfather of six grandchildren and great-grandfather to six great-grandchildren. His love for his family extended beyond just providing for them—he took great care in exposing his children and grandchildren to the history, culture, and experiences of the world.
In addition to his immediate family, Jim is survived by his brothers, David (Frances) Riddle and Thomas (Khin) Riddle, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who were touched by his kindness, generosity, and wisdom.
Jim’s resilience was evident in many ways, including his remarkable recovery after undergoing two cardiac bypass surgeries. He could always be counted on to share stories from his childhood growing up near the coal mines of West Virginia, his experiences in Abingdon, Virginia, and his time as both an enlisted soldier and officer in the U.S. Army—stories that endeared him to both new and old friends alike.
Jim Riddle leaves behind a lasting legacy of service, education, and love. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
A Military Graveside Service with Honors will be held on Friday, January 10, 2025, at 2:00 P. M., at the National Memorial Cemetery at Quantico, Virginia. A celebration of Mr. Riddle’s life will be held at a time and date to be announced. Please continue to check this page for updates.
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