James E. Riedman Sr., 84, of Champion, entered into the presence of his Lord & Savior Jesus Christ early Tuesday, August 1, 2017, after passing away in his earthly home of natural causes.  He was born April 30, 1933 in Utica, NY, the son of Charles L., Sr. and Julia A. (Misch) Riedman.  Jim had lived in the Champion area since 1958, becoming a permanent resident after being stationed in Youngstown and meeting his wife, to whom he was married for 54 years, until her passing in 2014.

A Korean War veteran, Jim served in the U.S. Air Force for ten years.  During the war, he was stationed in Japan, where he worked as a mechanic.  He later used those skills to help friends, family and even strangers with car troubles.  While driving to his family’s annual reunion in Utica, NY, Jim was known to often stop and render aid to stranded motorists, much to the embarrassment of his children.  After completing his service in the Air Force, he worked as a line mechanic at National Can until its closing in the late 80’s.  Following the closing of National Can, he attended Trumbull Business College, where, at the age of 58, he earned an Associate’s Degree in accounting.

A member of Champion Baptist church since 1965, Jim served in various roles including trustee, deacon as well as treasurer for fourteen years and was known by the children as “The Candy Man”.  Having quite a sweet tooth, Jim always carried candy in his suit pockets to share with the children after church services, bringing a bright smile to each of their faces.  He enjoyed computers and serving in the church, but his greatest joy came from telling others about Jesus.  He especially liked speaking of Him at multiple county fairs and with the mall walkers at the Eastwood Mall.

Surviving are seven children: Paul A. (Kim) of Guyton, GA, James E., Jr. of Warren, OH, Tammy F. Riedman of Cocoa Beach, FL, Robert J. of Champion, OH, Penny I. (Frank) Augustus of South Charleston, OH, Michael J. (Donna) of London, KY and Vicki F. (Chris) Nelson of Houston, TX; fifteen grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; two brothers: Richard J. of Penfield, NY and Bernard T. of Rome, NY; and a sister, Juliann M. Stoddard of Lawrenceville, GA.

Preceding him in death are his parents, his loving wife, Thelma Jane (Leeworthy) Riedman, twin infant daughters, Tammy J. and Linda M. Riedman; three brothers: Charles L., Jr., John B., and Timothy P. Riedman; and three sisters: Mary Margaret Brown, Theresa H. Brown, and Patricia A. DeLoria.

A memorial service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, August 19, 2017 at Champion Baptist Church, with Rev. Keith Easton officiating.  Material contributions may take the form of tributes, In Memory of James Riedman, c/o Champion Baptist Church, 556 Center St. West, Warren, Ohio 44481.

 Service Information