James Ridings promoted to Colonel in the Tennessee National Guard

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – During a ceremony held at the Tennessee National Guard’s Joint Force Headquarters in Nashville on May 4, Maryville native James “Jim” Ridings was promoted to the rank of Colonel in front of his family, friends, and fellow Soldiers.  

Held in the Hugh Mott building’s Hall of Flags, the ceremony was presided over by Brig. Gen. Steven Turner, Tennessee’s Assistant Adjutant General-Army.   

“Ridings is a talented leader who cares deeply about our organization and the Soldiers he leads,” said Turner. “I know he will continue to serve Tennessee well and I look forward to seeing what he does next.”

During the ceremony, Ridings thanked everyone for their support throughout his 38-year career and was then promoted by Turner. He had his new rank pinned on by Turner, Riding’s wife Sheila, and his two daughters, Emily and Abbie.  

“This is a real honor, and I’m humbled to be here today,” said Ridings. “This would not be possible if it wasn’t for everyone who supported me over the years, especially my family, who sacrificed so much whenever I was deployed or gone countless nights and weekends.”   

After graduating from Heritage High School in Maryville, Ridings began his military career in 1986 when he enlisted in the U.S. Army as an Airborne Combat Signaler for the 319th Military Intelligence Battalion. During this assignment, he earned his Federal Aviation Administration Parachute Riggers License and became the Chief Rigger for the Green Beret Parachute Club and the U.S. Army Special Operations Command Parachute Team.

In 1991, he left active-duty and joined the Tennessee National Guard’s Howitzer Battery with the 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment in Maryville. Ridings served for three years before leaving the military to focus on his career with Norfolk Southern Railroad and earn a bachelor’s degree from Covenant College in Lookout Mountain, Georgia. He then re-enlisted in June 2001 with Chattanooga’s 196th Field Artillery Brigade and received a direct commission as a Second Lieutenant in the Signal Corps in February 2002.

Since then, Ridings has served in numerous positions including battery executive officer and signal platoon leader in the 196th Field Artillery Brigade. His other positions include being the first commander of the 155th Signal Company; commander of B Company with Recruiting and Retention Battalion; Deputy Inspector General; executive officer to the Chief of Staff-Army; J9 Director of Military and Family Readiness; Deputy G6; and his current assignment as the Director of Communications and Information Systems. Ridings also deployed to Afghanistan in 2005 as an embedded trainer with the 196th Field Artillery Brigade, mentoring and training Afghan Army Signal Officers.

“Being in the Tennessee National Guard has been an honor and a blessing for me and my family,” said Ridings. “I’ve had countless opportunities to do so much and being able to serve with true professionals has made my career, so far, exceptional.”

During his career, Ridings has been incredibly active in the National Guard Association of Tennessee, serving on the executive council and spending six years as the elected president. He also earned a master’s degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island.

Ridings has been married to his wife Sheila since 1995, and they have two daughters, Emily and Abbie, and one son, Thomas. Col. Jim Ridings is the son of Phillip E. Ridings and Brenda W. Pershing.

Author: Lt. Col. Darrin Haas
Last Updated: May 5, 2025
Category: Promotion