James Allen Rider of Elton, passed away peacefully on his 85th birthday, May 30, 2023. Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at 2 pm at Ardoin Funeral Home of Elton. Rev. Fr. Jose Vattakunnel will officiate.  The family will receive visitors at Ardoin Funeral Home of Elton on Wednesday, June 7, 2023 from 9 a.m. until time of service with the Holy Rosary being prayed at 1:30 p.m. Burial will follow in St. Paul Cemetery under the direction of Ardoin/Allen Parish Funeral Homes.

James was a loving and devoted husband to his wife, Lorma for over 55 years. He was a loving father, grandfather, great grandfather and great-great grandfather.  James worked hard to provide for his family as a general contractor in which he owned his own business, J.A. Rider Construction Company. James served our country in the United States Air Force, National Guard and the Merchant Marines. He served at St. Paul Catholic Church for many years with Fr. Marshall Boulet where he worked as a maintenance supervisor as well as an usher. James was also a member of the American Legion and the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed woodworking at which he was very talented and gifted. His greatest enjoyment in life was spending time with his family and friends.

Those left to cherish James' memory include his wife, Lorma Fuselier Rider of Elton; one son, Greg Granger of Elton; one daughter, Donna Granger Dies and husband, Michael of Gonzales; one brother, Herman Julius Rider and wife, Brenda of Lafayette; two sisters, Debbie Boles and husband, Tim and Josiclyn Ortego and husband, Tony, both of Bell Chase; six grandchildren, Jolane Blackstock and husband, Jeremy, Travis Dies, Katherine Mchugh and husband, Dr. Tom, Rebekah Morales and husband, David, Chad Rodriguez, Aaron Rodriguez and wife, Brandi; 13 grandchildren; one great-great granddaughter, Addison Brown; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

James is preceded in death by his parents, Eway and Lucy Rider; stepfather, Mentor Janice; two brothers, Melvin Rider and baby, Ray; two sisters, Wilda Rider and Barbara Klumpp.

Condolences and words of comfort may be sent to the family at www.ardoinfuneralhome.com and on Facebook-Ardoin/Allen Parish Funeral Homes. Memorial contributions may be made to Heart of Hospice in James' memory.