James E. Riden, 91, Valley City, ND, passed away on Friday, January 17th, 2020. Visitation will be at Our Saviors Lutheran Church from 5 to 7 on Friday, January 24 with a prayer service beginning at 7:00. The funeral service will be on Saturday, January 25, 2020 at 11:00 am at Our Saviors Lutheran Church. Burial will be at Pingree Cemetery, Pingree, ND.
Jim was born on September 29, 1928 to Lester and Stella (Rooney) Riden in Jamestown, ND. He grew up in the Kensal and Pingree ND areas and graduated from Pingree High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on September 29, 1946, his 18th birthday. He served in Hiroshima Japan after the devastation to prevent civil conflict. Upon his return he attended North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton, ND. He was hired by Northwestern Bell Telephone Co. in 1952, retiring in 1982 after 30 years. On June 26th, 1953 Jim married Lucile Beckman in Aberdeen, SD and they have been together for 66 years. They had two children, Steve and Linda who both reside in Colorado.
After his retirement from the Telephone Co., Jim worked as the Barnes County Veteran Services Officer from 1988 to 1998 and at the same time he worked as the emergency manager from 1991 to 1998 starting the 911 program in Barnes County.
As a member of the community, he was a Volunteer Fireman for the Valley City Fire Department for 20 years, 10 of those years he was the Secretary. He was a lifetime member of the Eagles and Elks, VFW, the Am Vets and American Legion. He was President of the local Communications Workers Assoc. Union and Head Usher at Our Saviors Lutheran Church.
He served as Commander of the American Legion from 2017 to 2019. Was the Commander of the VFW from 1998 to 1999, the Commander of the Am Vets in 1980 and as Exalted Ruler of the Elks in 1964.
Jim is survived by his bride and dance partner of 66 years, Lucile; his son, Steve (Gisele) Riden of Howard, Colorado; his daughter, Linda Clement of Eagle, Colorado; and his sister, Mary Jane (Dennis) Olson of Brackettville, TX.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Roberta; his sisters, Betty Kerr and Rose Kress; brother and sisters-in-law; son-in-law, John Clement; nieces and nephews.
Lerud Mathias Funeral Home in Valley City is assisting Jim’s family with arrangements. An online guestbook and tribute page can be found at www.lerudschuldt.com