James Swanson Rigney

1925 - 2008

BORN

1925

DIED

2008

James Rigney Obituary

James Swanson Rigney, a lifelong resident of Franklin County, Va., died on Friday, December 12, 2008, at his home. Born November 1, 1925, he was the son of the late Claude Swanson and Nannie Kate Maxey Rigney, and was also preceded in death by a son, David Lee Rigney; two brothers, Dudley and Junior Rigney; two sisters, Clara Luckado, Stella Blankenship. As a member of the legendary 3rd Platoon, Easy Co., 2nd Battalion, 28th Marines, which raised the first flag on Mount Suribachi, Iwo Jima during World War II, he was recently honored personally by the President of the United States, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, and the Commandant of the Marine Corp. He fought with his unit to Kitano Point, where, after lasting 32 days on the island, he was severely wounded by a mortar blast, which caused a loss of sight in his right eye and numerous fragment wounds. PFC Rigney was forced to leave the Marine Corps to complete his recovery stateside in July 1945. Mr. Rigney is survived by his wife, Marlene Reynolds Rigney; four children, Pamela Ann Campbell, Sherie Dawn Altice, James Daniel Rigney and Gail LoVonne Finney; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren; three sisters, Myrtle Donavant, Betty Jean Hall, Irene Fralin; brother, Paul Rigney; many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted 11 a.m. on Tuesday, December 16, 2008, from Flora Funeral Chapel with Minister Ted Clifton and Dr. Jackie Spence officiating. Interment will follow with Military Honors in Franklin Memorial Park. The family will receive friends on Monday, December 15, 2008, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Flora Funeral Service, 665 South Main Street, Rocky Mount, Va.

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Published by Roanoke Times from Dec. 13 to Dec. 16, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for James Rigney

7 Entries

Richie, Lesley, Chris, Chase and Cainan Carter

December 16, 2008

Sherie and family, we are so sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you during this time! If there is anything that we can do, please let us know.

Jeanneane Davidson

December 16, 2008

Dear Jewel & Family,
I hope your memories like mine of Swanson will ease your grief during this difficult time. We are thinking of you all and praying for your family.
With Sympathy
Jerry & Jeanneane Davidson

Debbie Dillon

December 15, 2008

It was a great pleasure to have known Mr. Rigney. He will be missed.

JeRena Handy

December 15, 2008

It was an honor to have met Mr. Rigney just a couple of months ago. I only wish I could have met him earlier, when my husband and Dad could have also met and talked with him. He was a wonderful guy and wanted very much to be able to take care of his wife...even when he was gone. I have wonderful memories of our hours together. What wonderful stories he had! This is a person that I will not forget. I thanked him for his service to our country. What a great guy!!!

James Rigney

December 15, 2008

So sorry to hear this.

Ronald Beckwith, MGen, USMC, (Ret.)

December 15, 2008

Pfc. Swanson Rigney: what an honor it was for me to meet another of our great Marine Corps heroes from the WW II battle for Iwo Jima. That battle, your heroism and that of so many others is a keystone in our Corps legacy. You have fought the brave fight. Rest in peace. R L Beckwith, Major General, USMC, (Ret)

Annette Akers

December 14, 2008

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
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