Jim Rideout was born February 14, 1935, and graduated from Central High School. His photography career began with Koch’s Studio. In 1972, he joined Donahue Studios. Early tasks at Donahue’s included room set layout and construction as Richard Donahue’s primary photo assistant.

In the 1980’s, Jim became the photography production supervisor. In this capacity, he worked with helpers in set construction, lighting and photography. Most of his photographs were done with 4x5 and 8x10 view backs but he also shot 120mm on location jobs. A master of photographic production, he processed Ektachrome, color, and black and white negatives.

His skills included photography, color and black & white printing as well as maintaining processors, enlargers and cameras.

Jim retired in November, 1998, when Donahue Studios closed.