James “Ridge” King

He loved his family with his whole heart. He loved dinosaurs and the wide-open outdoors, riding the tractor and the four-wheeler with pure joy. He found comfort in his stuffed animals (his baby Deer and Hot Sauce) and even more comfort in his time with God. His prayers weren’t just whispered at bedtime, but spoken in the mornings too, a faith far bigger than his years.

His life was short, but it was beautifully rooted in love, surrounded by love, and freely giving love to everyone who knew him. A life that will continue to echo in every heart he touched.

James “Ridge” King, age 5, of the Georgia Mountain community of Guntersville, Alabama passed away Monday, January 19, 2026 at Children’s Hospital of Alabama. Born October 31, 2020 in Birmingham, AL, Ridge was the precious and beloved son of Ashley Deann Gaddis and James Robert King. Ridge entered this world with health issues but was a fighter until there was no more fight.

Ridge is survived by his mother, Ashley Gaddis; father, Jim King; grandparents, Tommy and Joanna Gaddis, Kathy DeArmond King, and Jeff and Angie King; grandmother, Patricia Gurley; sister, Kolbie Brooke Rutherford; aunts, Stacey King (Chris), Leigh Andra Green (Clay); uncles, Jon King and Ricky Davis; and a host of extended family.

Services for Ridge will be at Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel in Arab, Alabama. Visitation will be Thursday, January 22, 2026 between the hours of 6:00 and 8:00 pm. The funeral service will be Friday, January 23, 2026 at 11:00am. Brother Josh Garmany officiating. Serving as pallbearers and escorting Ridge to his final resting place in Mt. Carmel Cemetery are Clay Green, Cody Manuel, Dylan Hunt, Riley Harper, Chris King and Justin Rogers. Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.