The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, Louisiana State Police, and former co-workers of Retired Louisiana State Police Master Trooper James G. Ryder, who passed away on Feb. 16.
Trooper Ryder, known as E-28, proudly served the citizens of Louisiana with honor, integrity, and professionalism throughout his distinguished career.
While assigned to this area, for over 20-years, he worked alongside and was always there to assist and support Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies, no matter the circumstance or call for service. He even allowed some of the deputies to ride with him to train them in traffic law enforcement. His steady presence, experience, and willingness to help exemplified the true meaning of teamwork in law enforcement.
He earned the respect of parish residents and made many lasting friendships while serving in Natchitoches Parish. Many times, you could see him networking with deputies at the NPSO South Sub-Station. Trooper Ryder’s dedication to public safety, his commitment to his fellow officers, and his compassion for the community will not be forgotten.
We are grateful for his years of service and the positive impact he made on our agency and our parish. Please keep his family, friends, and the men and women of the Louisiana State Police in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Thank You E-28 Trooper James Ryder. We salute you for your dedicated service to the Citizens of the State of Louisiana.
James Gordon Ryder Obituary
Funeral services for James Gordon Ryder will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, February 19, 2026, in the Chapel of Hixson Brothers, Alexandria, with Reverend Dwayne Davis and Reverend Benji Rhame officiating. Entombment will be in Greenwood Memorial Park.
The family requests that visitation be held at Hixson Brothers, Alexandria, from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.
James was born on July 7, 1947, and peacefully departed this life on February 16, 2026, at the age of 78.
James graduated from Boyce High School in 1965 and attended Louisiana College. He began his career with the Alexandria Police Department. James left APD to become the Acting Chief of Police in Boyce, where he was elected to serve two terms. During James’ second term as Police Chief, he pursued his dream of becoming a Louisiana State Trooper with Troop E. He dedicated twenty-six years of service to the Louisiana State Police and the citizens of Louisiana, serving many of those years in Natchitoches Parish, where he made lifelong friends. He retired on September 21, 2001, at the rank of Master Trooper.
Following his retirement from the Louisiana State Police, he worked for the U. S. Marshal Service within the JPATS Division. James then began employment as a School Resource Officer at the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office. Upon his final retirement from RPSO, James spent time enjoying beekeeping, hunting, and fishing, as well as woodworking, serving as President of the Red River Arts Guild. He also attended Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Pollock, Louisiana, and enjoyed spending time with his fellow Parkinson Group at B-22 in Dry Prong, Louisiana. James loved his horses and his dogs, but his favorite was his Pomeranian, “Princess”.
James was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Edna Ford Ryder; brothers, Thomas Ryder, Harold Ryder (Rita), CC “Sonny” Ryder (Betty), Richard Ryder (Margaret); and sisters, Suzian Teske and Jewel Dean Miller (Marlin). He was also preceded by his dearest and closest friends, E.C. Spurgeon and Grundy James.
Surviving James are his beloved wife of 59 years, Gwen Davis Ryder; his sons, Keith (Misty), and Chris (Kim). James was a proud grandfather to Kassady (Ryan), Kessler (Hailey), Chelsea, and Matthew, and a most proud great-grandfather to Jesse James Ryder. He is also survived by his sister, Linda Thomas (Roland), and his brother, Bill Ryder (Shirley).
Pallbearers will be Kessler Ryder, Matthew Ryder, Brandon Thomas, Cole Ryder, Cody Ryder, and Jesse Davis. Honorary pallbearers will be Joel Davis, Bryan Ryder, Jeff Scallan, Derek Ray, and Ryan Culhane.
