Obituary

RIDOUT, Jesse James Jr., 75, of Midlothian, died on Friday, October 22, 2021, after a brief illness. He is survived by his beloved wife of 49 years, Joan Ridout; his daughter, Jessica Malkerson (Guy); his son, Jonathan Ridout (Allison); and his grandchildren, Lily Malkerson and Alexandra and Sterling Ridout. He is also survived by his two brothers, Paul (Sandy) and Freddy (Tammy) Ridout; his sister-in-law, Elizabeth Geiger; his brother-in-law, Max Schools (Nancy); and seven nieces and nephews. Jesse grew up in Chesterfield County and graduated from Meadowbrook High School. He later attended Ferrum College and received his bachelor’s degree in social studies from RPI, now VCU. He then became a Social Studies teacher at Thomas Dale High School, where he remained for the next 33 years. During his last five years there, he served as an assistant principal.  Jesse spent many years working other jobs during the summer months, including various positions with the YMCA and, most significantly, manager of Chester Recreational Association. He became CRA manager in 1976 and served in this position for more than 25 years. During his long tenure as a teacher and pool manager, he touched the lives of thousands of young people. A long-time member of Chester Presbyterian Church, Jesse served in various roles there, including Deacon, Stephen Leader, Stephen Minister, and a Backpack Buddies volunteer. Jesse had many interests and especially enjoyed gardening, traveling throughout the U.S. and all over the world, spending time with friends and family, planning, and organizing social events, and going to the beach. His greatest joy, however, came from his role as husband, father, and grandfather. He loved spending time with his family and especially treasured every moment with his precious grandchildren. Family trips and family dinners were filled with good times and lasting memories. He particularly enjoyed supporting his grandchildren’s activities, whether at a swim meet, a chorus concert, a soccer match, a softball game, a backyard swing set, or at the kitchen table playing games, or building with Lincoln Logs and Tinker Toys. His kindness, generosity, sense of humor, and loving heart will be missed by all who knew him. The family will receive friends at Chester Presbyterian Church, 3424 W Hundred Rd., Chester, VA 23831, on Friday, November 5, from 5 to 7 PM. A celebration of his life will be held at the church on Saturday, November 6, at 10 AM. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Chester Presbyterian Church. Floral offerings, however, may be delivered to the church office between 9 AM and 2 PM Friday. Church covid protocols will be in effect.