Mr. James C. Riesenmy, age 84 years, of Ballwin, Missouri, passed away Thursday, August 27, 2026. Jim was born May 18, 1942, in St. Louis, the son of Jessie (Riesenmy) Stelzer. He married Gail O. Stewart on January 30, 1965.

Jim attended University City High School.  After high school, he attended St. Louis University earning a bachelor's degree in commerce, as well as his master's degree in finance. During his later high school years and college, Jim worked in the lab at St. Mary's Health Center. After graduating, he continued to work at the health center beginning as an accountant and finishing as Chief Financial Officer. Jim finished his career with MERS/Goodwill. It was during his time at St. Mary's that he met the love of his life, Gail. Once they were married, they settled in Kirkwood, Missouri and raised two daughters, Beth and Gwen. In 1974, they moved to Jefferson City, Missouri and then returned to St. Louis in 1987.

One of the highlights of his life was his three grandsons, Nathan, Drew and Trey. He always looked forward to his summer vacations with them, enjoying outings such as Six Flags, St. Louis Cardinal games, St. Louis Zoo and, of course, swimming — lots of swimming. Besides spending time with his grandchildren, you would find Jim and Gail traveling. Some of their favorite spots were Alaska, Hawaii, Nova Scotia and Italy.  He also loved to go on cruises. He made trips with Gail, with his sister Carol, and most recently a special cruise to the Caribbean with his daughters, a trip they hold dear to their hearts. Jim loved spending any time with his grandsons and watching his great-granddaughter smile. He always enjoyed meals out with friends, watching Jeopardy and many different British television shows, doing puzzles, making pumpkin pie, and playing rummy (and changing the rules mid-play!).

His perseverance was inspirational. His laughter was infectious. His emphasis on the importance of tradition and family influenced his daughters to implement these values in their lives. His whole life was about family. Jim's love, dedication, and passion for his family are his legacy.

Jim is survived by his daughters, Elizabeth Slinkard and her husband, Jim, and Gwen Thompson and her husband, Tommy; three grandchildren, Nathan Slinkard and his wife, Cassie, Andrew Slinkard, and Trey Thompson; two great-granddaughters Elaina Slinkard and Camryn Slinkard (due December), brother Steven Stelzer and his wife, Ellen and sister Pam Higgins, and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Gail, sisters Carol Freeman, Sharon Scarborough, and Jerri Scarborough.

A service celebrating Jim's life will be held at the SCHRADER Funeral Home and Crematory, 14960 Manchester Road at Holloway, Ballwin, Missouri, on Saturday, September 5. Visitation will be from 9:30-11:30 a.m. with a service immediately following at 11:30 a.m. Interment will at Holy Cross Cemetery, 16200 Manchester Road, Wildwood, Missouri at 1:00 p.m. The family requests that memorial donations be made in Jim's honor to the Alzheimer's Association at https://www.alz.org/greatermissouri . Friends may sign the family's on-line guestbook at Schrader.com.