James Gehrkin Riordan, Sr.

James G. Riordan, Sr., 82, a lifelong resident of New Orleans, LA until he retired to Pass Christian, MS, passed away Saturday, May 20, 2023, at Memorial Hospital in Gulfport, MS.

Jim was born October 19, 1940, in New Orleans, LA to Robert Walter Riordan and Joel Gehrkin Riordan. He graduated from St. Stanislaus College in Bay St. Louis, MS and he attended Loyola University in New Orleans, LA.

Retiring over 20 years ago after a long career in Executive Management for the Automobile Industry, he became an active member of Holy Family Parish in Pass Christian where he attended daily mass and was a Eucharistic Minister. He earned Honorary Life Membership in the Knights of Columbus serving as rank of Sir Knight. Jim was instrumental in starting The Divine Mercy Devotion for his parish community. He was a proud recipient of the Lumen Christi Award by the Diocese of Biloxi, MS, the highest honor given to people who radiate and reveal the light of Christ present in the communities where they serve.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Joel Riordan; two sons, James G. Riordan, Jr. and Walter Robert Riordan; and one grandson, William Reed Riordan.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Brenda Brechtel Riordan; five children, Billy, Rick (Shannon), Patti (Tim), Dean (Katie), Paige (Lee); ten grandchildren, Madeline (Ben), Brandon (Payton), Demi (Shane), Bryce, Riley, Ricky, Gracie, Jackson, Noah, and Parker; three great-grandchildren, Oakley, Harper, and Isabella; one brother, Bob Riordan (Betty) of Winchester, VA; two sisters, Ann Powell (Dan) of Morgan City, LA and Kathy Levy (Benny) of Covington, LA. He is also survived by his many friends from Holy Family Parish and the Knights of Columbus; lifelong friends from Gentilly, LA; and his beloved Rock-a-Chaw brothers, especially the class of 1960.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 27, 2023, from 1:00 - 2:00 pm at Holy Family Catholic Church, 22342 Evangeline Drive, Pass Christian, MS 39571. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 2:00 pm in the church. Internment will take place on Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at 11:00 am in Greenwood Cemetery, 5190 Canal Boulevard, New Orleans, LA.

In lieu of flowers please donate to Holy Family Catholic Church or to St. Stanislaus Class of 1960 Endowment Fund.

Edmond Fahey Funeral Home in Bay St. Louis, MS is proud to serve the family of James G. Riordan, Sr.