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James Ribbans Obituary
AGE: 65 • Spotswood
Jim was born and raised in Somerville; he was the son of the late Marjorie and Robert Ribbans. He was formerly of Chatham, New York for 16 years before moving to Spotswood in 2000.
In 1975, he received an undergraduate Degree in Theatre Arts from the University of Southern California. He received his Masters Degree in Theology from the New Brunswick Theological Seminary. Jim was pastor at the Chatham Reformed Church in Chatham, New York for 16 years and then moved to Spotswood where he was installed as pastor of Spotswood Reformed Church in January 2001. He was a former member of the United Reformed Church in Somerville. He was also a member of the Spotswood Clericus, an ecumenical group of the Spotswood clergy. Jim was also a founding member of CUP, Churches United for People, and the local food bank.
Jim loved to travel especially when it involved being near the ocean and connecting with old friends. He also enjoyed theater and even travelled to London to see a specific actor in a favorite production. Jim had the gift of a beautiful voice that he shared with his congregation. His love for the Lord and his deep thinking provided much for the thought-provoking way he preached.Jim loved dogs and was active in animal rescue. He also participated in the Adopt-a-Soldier program corresponding with and sending care package to soldiers actively serving in the Middle East.
Surviving are his brothers Robert and his wife Helen, Thomas and his wife Kimberly, a sister Cathleen Moose and her husband Robert, several nephews, one niece and a large extended family that called him Uncle Jimmy. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends.
Graveside service will be 10am Friday at New Cemetery, 192 South Bridge Street, Somerville followed by a 1pm memorial service at Spotswood Reformed Church in Spotswood.
Visitation will be 2-4pm to 7-9pm pm Thursday at the Bruce C. VanArsdale Funeral Home, 111 North Gaston Ave. Somerville. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Spotswood Reformed Church, 429 Main St., Spotswood, NJ 08884. To send condolences to the family, visit www.brucecvanarsdalefuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Ribbans
Sponsored by Bruce C. Van Arsdale Funeral Home.
Roberta Welch
October 12, 2021
Reverend Jim was such a nice man, my sister and I worked at Pixie Preschool and most mornings we would see him taking his dog Jake for a walk and then later in years it was Becca. He always had a smile and kind word. He is dearly missed.
Roberta Welch and Gloria Day
October 13, 2020
We can not believe it's been a year since Rev. Jim has passed. He was so kind, and caring. He is truly missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. It was truly a blessing to know him. We can still see him walking Jake and then later on came Becca around the grounds of the church. God Bless you all. Roberta Welch and Gloria Day.
Roberta and Gloria Welch and Day
October 12, 2019
Reverend Jim, was so kind and caring. He always had a smile and something uplifting to say. We miss him dearly.
Pat Skelton
January 9, 2017
Jim was a wonderful, kind, funny, decent man. While we didn't see each other for years we kept up a correspondence, and a few years ago he came back to Los Angeles where we had all been in the theatre department at USC together. We had a wonderful visit. It was just like old times.
This comes as a complete shock to us as he was discussing another trip out here this year.
I hope his family knows that he was loved by his old friends and that we will miss him.
Patricia Strader
November 28, 2016
Rev. Ribbons will be missed. I enjoyed all of his sermons, his stories, his small jokes. He showed how mich he cared about everyone that crossed his path. I will miss the peace and calmness that I always felt walking thru the church doors and knew he was there. Rest in peace. Condolences to his family and friends.
Ruth Bailey
November 27, 2016
Although we lived a continent apart for the past few years, I am so grateful I was able to call Jim a friend for over 30 years. So many good memories we shared, especially with our dogs, remain with me now. RIP my friend.
Gloria day
October 25, 2016
I can not believe Rev. jim has passed. He was a great man, very caring. Everyone who knew him was very blessed. My sister and i worked at Pixie and we remember how he walked Becca and spoke with the children.Rest in peace.
Gloria day
October 25, 2016
I can not believe Rev. jim has passed. He was a great man, very caring. Everyone who knew him was very blessed. My sister and i worked at Pixie and we remember how he walked Becca and spoke with the children.Rest in peace.
Jean Northup
October 24, 2016
The members of Chatham Reformed Church are deeply saddened by the passing of Rev. Ribbans. We were fortunate to know him as our pastor for 16 years. Many of us kept in touch with him after he moved to Spotswood. He was a wonderful friend and spiritual leader. We remember his great sense of humor, his laughter, and his amazing singing voice. Our prayers are with his family and all those who knew him well at Spotswood Reformed Church.
Kathryn Jones
October 21, 2016
Dear Bob and Cathy, So many fond memories of our childhood together in your home. My deepest condolences in the loss of your brother Jim.
John Cook
October 21, 2016
Dear Ribbans Family, My sincere condolences to all. I will never forget Jim or any of you for the wonderful times we had in our youth on Grove Street. May God bless Jim, family and his congregation and friends.
richard erickson
October 21, 2016
sorry to hear of jim's passing. what a great voice. God bless you Jim
gloria m day
October 21, 2016
Reverend Ribbans was such a kind, gentle man. He had a wonderful sence of humor and kind heart. I was blessed to have known him.
Roberta Welch
October 21, 2016
So sorry to hear of Rev.Ribbans passing. He was such a kind, caring man. We will all miss him. Rest in peace pastor Jim.
Libby Dodge Smith
October 20, 2016
Dear Cathy and Bob, My heart is broken for you and your families and for Jim's wife, of course. Sending love and prayers to all of you. I am so sorry for your loss. Libby
Fresh Ponds Chapel
October 20, 2016
The "little flock" at the nearby Fresh Ponds Chapel of the Gospel Mission Corps in South Brunswick Twp. extend our sincere condolences to the family of Pastor Jim Ribbans and to the congregation of the Spotswood Reformed Church, where some of our friends are parishioners. May you all find comfort and courage at this time of sudden sorrow, knowing that the promises and presence of God are your sure foundation for faith now and in the future. As the Apostle Paul stated, for the child of God, to be "absent from the body is to be present with the Lord." We are thinking of and praying for you as you "walk through the valley" together. Sincerely in our Savior and Messiah - Jesus / Yeshua, from the Ministers & Members of Fresh Ponds Chapel (a neighboring congregation)
Sharon Thompson
October 20, 2016
Dear Ribbans Family, Just wanted to extend my prayers and concerns for you at this time. Working at United Reformed Church for 26 years allowed me to be very close to Marge. She was a very special lady. Her son also was a wonderful person and loved his vocation and will be missed by his family and friends. We will keep you all in our prayers as you celebrate Jim's life's today and beyond. God Bless all of you. Affectionately, Sharon Thompson
gregg mast
October 20, 2016
Dear Family of James- Please receive from me the thoughts and prayers of the New Brunswick Theological Seminary community in this time of sudden grief. James was a graduate of NBTS and a faithful pastor and colleague in the RCA, and he will be sorely missed. May God hold you close in these difficult days. Gregg Mast, President of NBTS
Cheryl Dougherty
October 20, 2016
A wonderful warm man who brought all that kindness into your sermons. May you rest in peace
Cheryl Himmelreich
October 19, 2016
When I first came to the church Rev. Ribbans was so warm and welcoming, taking away any uneasiness I felt.
I will miss his teachings and his kindness, but know he is home and at peace with the lord.
i
Peter Kroth
October 19, 2016
"And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going. - John 14: 3-4
Godspeed, Uncle Jim.
jan miller rutledge
October 19, 2016
I remember Jimmy as a kind, generous person. He will be sorely missed. My most sincere condolences to his family.
Bonnie Allen
October 19, 2016
Uncle Jim you will be missed by many. I have always thought of you through the years and remember fun times as a Camper and while I was on staff with you at Camp Fowler. I will always remember every time I watch the movie Grease and your beautiful singing voice that you now sing in Gods Choir. You have truly blessed so many people. Bonnie (White) Allen
Marcia Halbert
October 19, 2016
When I first was a visitor to the Spotswood Reformed Church several years ago, I heard his beautiful singing voice. That was one of the reasons I kept coming back and eventually joined as a member of the church. He was always willing to hear what was on your mind. Pastor Jim always was so thankful to everyone that did anything to help with the church, grounds, school, a congregation member or someone in need. It is difficult to grasp that he is gone.
Nan and John Lin
October 19, 2016
He was a gentle man who spoke softly but always with compassion. He was humorous and quick with a joke. He was not just our pastor, but a good friend. We will miss him dearly.
Jan Stubbs
October 19, 2016
Jim's kindness and personality were such a part in helping ease my return to the church in Spotswood after an absence of several years. Shortly after that he was a faithful and faith=affirming presence as I dealt with several health issues. His sermons were insightful, and his adult Bible classes taught us so much. Jim was a wonderful friend as well as pastor, and his intelligence and quick wit were always evident. We here will miss him deeply, but we know he is now in his eternal home with his beloved parents.
JOSEPH and Louise Woods
October 18, 2016
Louise, my family and I have known Jim since he became Pastor at the Spotswood Reformed Church and he was a most wonderful pastor and a great preacher. He visited my wife during several illness and brought to her a great deal of spiritual comfort during those time. My family and I will all miss his ministry to us.
Rachel Whitcomb
October 19, 2016
My deepest condolences. Jim was a very special person to me and my entire family (I'm Alleda's daughter). He often joined us at the Jersey Shore and he made us laugh until we couldn't breathe! We loved him very much. He officiated my wedding, and my husband and I remember fondly how he incorporated "harmony" into his prayers because he knew how much music was a part of our lives. He will be deeply missed.
Alleda Radziewicz
October 19, 2016
Jim was one of the finest people I've ever known. The first time we met was in choir at United Reformed Church. We talked and talked for hours and it was like we had known each other forever. He was a great friend, a terrific listener and had the best sense of humor. I will miss him more than I can say. He married both of my children and became like a member of our family. He was one of the greatest gifts I could have ever received.
Rev. Kathy Jo Blaske
October 18, 2016
I worked with Jim during his years at Albany Synod, RCA. He was a dynamic influence in the synod. I preached his installation service at Chatham. We give thanks for all his contributions to the work of Christ, and his loving witness. We rejoice that not even death separates us from the love of in Christ Jesus our Lord. Alleluia.
Patricia Winters
October 18, 2016
Jimmy was always a wonderful friend since we were children. His Dad's pharmacy was next to my Father's furniture store in Somerville and we were always buddies throughout the years. Thankfully we got to see him in April. He will be sadly missed.
Pat Winters
October 18, 2016
Uncle Jim as I knew him, played a significant role in my life experiences at Camp Fowler during my child/teen hood...
He was comforting and willing to accept.
I will Always cherish my memories of him!
Kaye Aaroe Barbieri
October 18, 2016
I will miss our chats in the Churchyard while Rev. Jim walked his beloved dog, Becca. They both always brought a smile to my face, even on a bad day. What a kind and gentle man he was... I will miss him every day.
Eric Brain
October 18, 2016
So sorry to hear of James's passing. He was always there for my family in tough times.
Rev. Keith Schneider
October 18, 2016
The Spotswood Chapel is saddened by the home going of such a faithful pastor. Our prayers are for his family and the Spotswood Reformed Church family.
roberta and gloria welch and day
October 17, 2016
We are so sorry to hear of Reverend Ribbans passing. He was such a kind, caring man. He will be dearly missed. We all were blessed to have known him. Rest in peace pastor Jim.
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Oct
20
Visitation
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Bruce C. Van Arsdale Funeral Home111 North Gaston Avenue, Somerville, NJ 08876
Oct
20
Visitation
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Bruce C. Van Arsdale Funeral Home111 North Gaston Avenue, Somerville, NJ 08876
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Bruce C. Van Arsdale Funeral Home111 North Gaston Avenue, Somerville, NJ 08876
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