James Roy Wilridge
- Mar 10
- 2 min read
Updated: Mar 20
1936 ~ 2026
Date of Death: March 9, 2026
In profound sadness, the staff of Veasley Funeral Home & Cremations, Inc. want to express our sincere condolences to the Wilridge Family. James' earthly temple is now resting in the care of Rowell-Parish Mortuary. Revelations 21:4 says, "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death; nor sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain, for the former things are passed away." Be assured that in the days ahead you will surely gain strength from the memories of James Roy Wilridge.
Sincerely,
Derrick Veasley ~ Director
Henry Veasley ~ Director
Pastor E.C. Maltbia ~ Chaplain
James Roy Wilridge, 89, of Roland, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully at his home on March 9, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on December 10, 1939, in Raine, LA., James was the beloved son of the late Raymond and Mary Wilridge. He entered the U.S. Navy on September 2, 1955. He was honorably discharged from the service on January 13, 1975.
James had a faithful 21-year career as a general laborer at Whirlpool Corporation, where he met his wife, Cletus (CJ) before retiring in 2000. In retirement, he served as a dedicated member of Shady Grove Baptist Church, serving as a deacon, usher, and kitchen helper.
James is survived by his wife, CJ Wilridge; sisters: Betty Wilridge-Simpson of Van Buren, AR, Rose Wilridge-Augustus of San Antonio, TX., children: Margie (Albert) Hayes of Crowley, LA., Frankie Sinclair of Houston, Texas; Brian Carden of Philadelphia, PA., Fayonna (Kevin) Warr of Fort Smith, AR., Antonio Brown of Roland, OK., Jakiyah and Lamonte Wilridge of the home; thirteen (13) grandchildren, six (6) great-grandchildren, and one (1) great-great-grandchild.
Along with a host of other family and friends who will truly miss him.
Walk through visitation for family and friends will be held Wednesday March 18, 2026; 10:00am to 6:00pm (family hour 5-6pm) Rowell-Parish Mortuary 611 North 9th St., Fort Smith, Arkansas 72901 with a celebration of life service on Thursday March 19, 2026; 10:30am Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church 202 S. Roland Rd., Roland, Oklahoma 74954.
Burial and final resting place: Fort Smith National Cemetery 522 Garland Ave., Fort Smith, Arkansas 72901.
