Jim “Doc” T. Ridgeway, 88, of Albion, NE, died Friday, May 29, 2026, at the Norfolk Veterans Home in Norfolk, NE.

A Military Graveside Service will be at 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at Rose Hill Cemetery, Albion, NE. Military rites will be conducted by American Legion Post #162, VFW Post #736, Navy Funeral Honor Guard. Visitation will be Tuesday from 4-7 p.m. at Levander Funeral Home, Albion, NE.

James T. Ridgeway was born June 14,1937 in Beebe, Arkansas to Owen and Charlene (Hill) Ridgeway. At an early age he moved with his family to Albion, Nebraska where he attended rural country school while living on the farm northeast of Albion. He graduated from Albion High School in 1955. He entered the United States Navy on May 31,1955 and served until June 5, 1958.

Jim was united in marriage to Cynthia "Kay" Mignery on August 10, 1958, at the United Methodist Church in Albion. Jim enrolled in the Colorado State College in Ft. Collins, Colorado where he received his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. In 1964 Jim and Kay returned to Albion where he owned and practiced at the Albion Veterinary Clinic for over 50 years.

Jim "Doc" was a lifetime member of the Amateur Trapshooters Association and the National Rifle Association. He was also active in the Nebraska Trapshooters Association. He was an avid trapshooter and enjoyed all shooting sports including hunting. He followed his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events and enjoyed seeing the additions of new great grandchildren.

He is survived by his four children: Steve (Angie) Ridgeway; John (Sheila) Ridgeway; Gregg (Shelly) Ridgeway; Jill (Kent) Wells; seven grandchildren: Dana (Justin); Zach (Morgan); Nick (Emily); Sadie (Torey); Parker (Sydney); Jake; Olivia (Austin); 11 great-grandchildren: Hollynn, Emmitt, Max, Cecilia, Annora, Margo, August, Murphy, Abigail, Charlotte, and Layne; one brother: Byron Melland.

He was preceded in death by his wife: Cynthia “Kay” Ridgeway; parents: Charlene and Marvin Melland; siblings: Marvelle, John and Ann