Birth date: Sep 7, 1951 Death date: Jan 10, 2016
Ronald John “R.J. Stidham, 64, passed away January 10, 2016. He was preceded in death by his parents, John Edward Stidham and Altesa Metcalf Stidham and sister, Verdella Alexander. He is survived by his wife, Marian Massey Stidham Read Obituary
I could not believe that R J Had transition from earth to Heaven. I had not talk to him in years, and thought we had lost contact. He was one of the the most knowledgeable Housing Experts that I have ever meet. His passion for helping people was amazing. The Louisiana CHDO Community will miss him. He was a great man and a great friend.
I first met RJ at Baldwin-Wallace and knew he was going to be great. He graduated from John Hay as I was entering, so I didn’t get to know to know at all. I just heard the name. He was a freshmen counselor for the Black student at Baldwin Wallace and he provided us with information that would carry us thru our 4 years there and beyond. I remember the VW Beetle he drove on campus and his Isaac Hayes rendition at the Black Student Talent Show. Walk with the Elders, Stidham.Mary E Brothers-Johnson
I lost a brother, friend, and mentor! It’s taken me until this day 5-15-2016 to even get to the point where I can share about my lost! Real Talk I know no one who can fill his shoes! He was my Black Power Ear! He was my organizing guru. He was my community development finance expert! He held me the community and POOR BLACK FOLKS DOWN! We lost a champion in the struggle for equity, truth and Justice! But most of all rest with GOD MY DEAR SWEET FRIEND! I will miss you for as long as I am on this earth! Thank God for your life!
Rj always worked me to death and taught me lots of lessons about living, communities, banks, organizing, fair housing, civil rights, ques, etc. As i was getting my petitions signed tonight at an mayors town hall meeting, i was informed he passed away. The lessons he taught me was monumental and the love for black people he demonstrated was to be admired. Rest my good friend knowing that u are now in the hands of God. Love, peace and blessings to rj family. Micheal i will never forget you. Love angela
Thank you Kenya. He spoke highly of you
The best brother I ever had the pleasure of knowing
So very true
May prayers and uplifting thoughts about your beloved father, husband, uncle and family member. On behalf of our family and our shared friends, we offer our condolences.
I am so saddened to hear of the loss of R.J. He has been my friend and my mentor. He was a good friend to the State of West Virginia and the people he helped find homes, shelter, nourishment and life. He will be sadly missed. His family is our deepest prayers.Mary Jo Thompson Director of Community Development State of West Virginia
My condolences to the Stidham family. Ronald was my brothers, Robert Michael and James Herbert McGraw’s, playmate when they were little and we lived on 75th street in Cleveland, Ohio.Our hearts are broken.Subrina McGraw Montgomery
