James Ray Riffey

Battle Creek - James R. Riffey, 94, of Battle Creek died at the Battle Creek Veterans Affairs Medical Center on Tuesday, January 30, 2018.

Jim was born in (basketball country) Washington, Indiana to Theodore "Ted" and Nannie Kay (Morgan) Riffey on December 14, 1923. He grew up in the town of Washington and was a 1942 graduate of Washington High School, where he was a member of the 1941 & 42 Indiana State Championship Basketball Teams. He served his country with the 11th Airborne Division of the U.S. Army and fought in the Philippines from New Guinea to the Aleutian Islands; and felt lucky to be alive. After the service, he graduated in 1950 with a Bachelor's Degree in History and Physical Education from Tulane University; and where he was an All-American Basketball Player. Jim played basketball for the 1950 & 51 Detroit Pistons. His first teaching position was at nationally ranked DuPont Manual High School in Manual, KY, where he taught and coached for six years. Harry Davidson enticed him to come to Battle Creek Central High School, where he taught for nine years and served as the assistant principal. He also served BCPS for nine years as principal of W.K. Kellogg Junior High School. He was a well-liked, respected coach with a good record. Jim also received his Master's Degree in Education from Michigan State University.

Jim was united in marriage to Esther W. Wildridge in Washington, IN on June 9, 1948. Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Esther on March 11, 2011. Surviving are his son, Michael (Annette) Riffey of Battle Creek; his daughter, Leslie (Tim) Obrig of Battle Creek and two grandchildren, Donald Riffey of Battle Creek, MI and Katie Riffey of Manhattan, NY. Jim was also preceded in death by one sister, Martha Gray and by five brothers, Roy, Samuel, Carl, Horace and Howard. Family was always first and after Jim retired he especially enjoyed spending time with his family. He was an avid reader, history was his favorite and especially the Civil War. He enjoyed anything to do with sports, working in his yard, traveling, fishing in Canada and just being active.

Private services for Jim's family will be held at Ft. Custer National Cemetery. Memorial contributions in memory of Jim may be made to the Leukemia Society.

Arrangements by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Battle Creek Enquirer on Feb. 1, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for James Riffey

Sponsored by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care - Battle Creek Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home -.

31 Entries

Holly Moore

February 16, 2018

One of my favorite customers at Pennfield Family Fare, always a smile and a hug ready, over to hear his laugh.

Jeffrey Wheaton

February 7, 2018

Mr. Riffey was a great Mentor. A Big and Tall Man with a soft and wise heart. He was always strict yet fair with me at WK Kellogg. I held him in very high regard. He was a true educator and he will be missed. I remember getting into trouble and he pulled me aside and into his office for what I thought was going to be a good scolding...Instead, we had a wonderful conversation about life and goals and responsibility and Pistons Basketball. He reminded me that there is consequence for our actions and we are in control of that consequence being good or bad. Rest In Peace Mr. Riffey.

Jeff HOARD

February 6, 2018

My deepest sympathies to the Riffey family. I met Jim and Esther about 12-14 years ago at Bob Evans, as I serve as a manager for BEF. I always enjoyed talking with the 2 of them and then with Jim after Esther's passing. I loved his stories about his basketball playing days and his days in the service for our country. I am an MSU graduate and Jim received his Master's there, so we always talked Michigan State athletics and anything else that came to mind. Jim even attended my daughter's basketball game at Lakeview High School, as my daughter played for Gull Lake, and boy did he know the game of basketball. I truly looked forward to those certain days of the week when I could be in Battle Creek on either Tuesday's or Thursday's or Saturday's to see Jim and spend some time talking with him. It was amazing how many people he knew as we were sitting together, folks would always stop by his table to talk with him. I guess he touched many people's lives, including mine. He was always smiling and a joy to talk with, and I will miss our conversations. God's blessing to Jim and Esther's family.

Ruth Caldwell

February 5, 2018

My prayers to the family for strength, healing and one day at at time during tour mouring period. Remembering Mr. Riffey, from Battle Creek Central and thank him for be a role model and helping me through school. May God be with the family.
Ruth (Cook) Caldwell

Wi;;iam Hubbart

February 5, 2018

As a former student of Coach Riffey, I am so saddened to hear of your loss, he deeply impacted my life. I ran into him one morning at Bob Evens and chatted with him with him briefly and shared that he had recently lost his wife and reminenced about our service days, and I was honored to be able to buy his breakfast and to pay my respects to him, he always worked us so hard in 6th hour gym class when he had us play against his varsity basketball team, boy did he believe in running laps. They don't make them like him anymore, Coach rest in peace your back home with your precious wife once again, to the family may you feel the comforting arms of our Lord embrace you in your time of loss!

Trish Hydon

February 3, 2018

Leslie, I'm so sorry to hear about your Dad passing what a wonderful tribute to such a great man. I was so fond of your parents when they would dine every Saturday afternoon at Schulers. They talked about you and your brother and shared beautiful stories about both of you. Then came the first grandson and how proud they were of that little guy. Your parents were really a big part of my life to see them on Saturday made my day.
Your dad really left his footprints everywhere he went and made a friend, because he was so fun to talk to.
Keep the memories alive your parents are together and enjoying eternity as a loving couple once again.

Trish Hydon

Donna Castleberry

February 3, 2018

We just want to let you know how sorry we were to hear of your Father's passing.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time.
Love and prayers
Jerry and Donna Castleberry

Sherry Webster

February 2, 2018

It saddened me to hear of Jim's passing. I was his. Special teller when he would come in to Comerica. We both helped each other during the passing of his wife Ester and my husband Ron. He will surely be missed, he sure could lighten up a room. May great memories be your healing power. My heartfelt prayers to his family.

Diane Bradstreet (Harger)

February 2, 2018

My condolences to the family, Mr.Riffey was a great man and a major influence in my life, he was my principal at w.k.k.between 1977-1979. I skipped school one day and he and Mr.Sleeper were down town having lunch, he seen me pointed in the direction of the school, and back to school I went, he didn't have to say a word, I never skipped school again, I seen him periodically at family fare over the yrs. And he and I never forgot that day, he still would point when I seen him, and we would laugh and hug, he loved his student's and we all loved him, was blessed to have such an amazing man in my life, thank you Mr.Riffey, you will be truly missed.

February 2, 2018

We send our deepest sympathy to Leslie, Mike and their families. I will always remember my Uncle Jim for his friendliness and great sense of humor. Dad often spoke of his youngest brother and their mutual love of sports. With love, Carol and Frank Spadaro.

Bryan Smith

February 2, 2018

My wife and I met Mr. Riffey at breakfast a few years ago. He noticed my flight jacket and asked about my military service. As we sat and ate, Jim told me the riveting story of his World War 2 service. It was a story told by a humble man about the actions of men who didn't come home. A story of grit and sacrifice and love for country. Jim Riffey was everything that is right about America. He lived a lifetime before he was 25 years old but was only getting started. Jim and the rest of his generation won a world wide war and then came home and built America in to the most powerful economy on earth. The freedoms we all enjoy and largely take for granted can all be attributed to the fact men like this lived. I wish my children could have met this man.

Bill Halstead

February 2, 2018

Fond memories of Jim at this time of his passing. Our thought are with you.

Ethel Thompson

February 2, 2018

To the family .. So sorry for your loss! I was a staff member when Jim was principal at WK. I taught under 6 different principals and always will remember Jim to be the best one at creating a team among his staff members! I will never forget the awesome Christmas parties he had at his house and the pride he took in his beautiful lawn during the summer months! He was a wonderful man and will always live in my great memories of him! Prayers to you and your family!

William Reiners

February 2, 2018

So sorry to hear of your Fathers passing. He had a long and full life. I did know him will but for me and lot of old Hatchets in life's in those big black and white photos over the main entrance of the old gym. What a great group of boys and there wonderfull coach who taught them more than basketball. Old Hatchet class of 65.

Christina McCurdy (Jenkins)

February 1, 2018

Mr. Riffey was such a positive, supportive principal while I was in middle school. He made our school great. He will be missed by all of the lives be influenced and changed. Rest in peace Mr. Griffey. You deserve it!

Mary Culp

February 1, 2018

Dear Leslie and family, So sorry for the loss of your father. May you find comfort in your memories of him.

Judy Fulton (was Welch)

February 1, 2018

Mr. Riffey was a wonderful man, dedicated to education. I was privileged to teach at W.K. while he was principal. Everyone who knew him was a better person because of him.

God bless the family with peace.

Julia Marie

February 1, 2018

Mr Riffey was my principal, and I always would run into him over the years, I worked at Bob Evans, and he was famous there too, everyone loved him. He cared about every kid he came across, and always wanted the best for them. He missed Esther so much, and would take her flowers every weekend. He was one of a kind and a gentle giant, God Speed to your wife Mr. Riffey.

Patrick Maxwell

February 1, 2018

You were a big part of my Junior High Life! So happy for the lessons and discipline! RIP Mr Riffey!

Bob Cleveland

February 1, 2018

Mr. Riffey was one of my favorite teachers at Central. I'm so sorry to hear of his passing but glad to hear he lived a good long life.

Margarietta Pratt Glass

February 1, 2018

Mr. Riffey was always pleasant and had a smile to share with everyone. He was definitely one of the best educators in the Battle Creek area. His passion for education as well as his concern for every child to succeed was exceptional and rare. He will be dearly missed. Condolences to the family.

Barb Connelly-Walters

February 1, 2018

Mr. Riffey!!! He was my principal at WKK in 76-79. I would go down in 9th grade and do the morning announcements quite often. I ran into him from time to time and always had a nice talk and was so surprised he remembered me at all. If we ever saw him at the Lux eating, we would anonomously buy his meal. It was so neat a few years ago I was shopping at Sams Club and ran into him as well as Mr. Sleper who was the Vice Principal back in the day...the first time I had seen them together since the 70's. I took their picture and have it someplace. He was such a gentle giant and I admired him very much and I am sad to see he has passed away. My deepest condolences to the family. He certainly had an impact on my life. ❤

ALICIA STARK

February 1, 2018

Tim and Leslie and Family, Our sincerest sympathy. We always got a kick out of Jim. Loved his spirit and would love running into him.
Our thought and prayers are with you all.

Gary Bundy

February 1, 2018

"Ole Dad" was my one of my high school baseball coaches at Central. But what I remember most was when he "reluctantly" picked me up on my way to school on Clinton Drive. He'd say, "Hop in, Donkey!" and I did! He was also my neighbor for 8 years in Garrison Hills and he'd stop and we'd always talk through the car window. A great, great guy. He always made me smile--and he could hit fly balls with a fungo like nobody's business.

Susan Stemaly

February 1, 2018

Sorry to hear this. May you find peace and comfort in the upcoming days
Don & Susan

Jessica S

February 1, 2018

Mr. Riffey holds a special place in my heart. Rest easy, sir.

Tony Dozier

February 1, 2018

Mr. Riffey you will be missed! He was my principal at WK Kellogg Junior High and he was always strict but fair which i totally respected!! I'm saying a prayer for your family and loved ones!

One of your WK Comet Alumni...you helped shaped who I am today! God Bless You!!

JIm Payne

February 1, 2018

Wonderful neighbor, friend and person. I will miss his smiling face and friendship.

Lynn Gray

February 1, 2018

Will miss running into him at Bob Evans and him greeting me by calling me Izora (he thought I looked like my mom, Izora Ward, who worked for him as a librarian at WK where I was a student as well) with the biggest smile and most uplifting spirit. Thoughts and prayers are with the family. Lynn Ward Gray, City Commissioner, City of Battle Creek, Michigan

Susan Chapman (Riffey)

January 31, 2018

Heaven truly gained an angel. My grandfather was Carl Riffey, one of Jims brothers. Great Uncle Jim was a kind and wonderful man. He was also humble. He blessed everyone he touched. Prayers and hugs go out to Leslie, Mike and their families.

Terry Riffey

January 31, 2018

Sorry to hear about the loss of uncle Jim. We have many fond memories of our family visits with him. He was a great man and will be missed by everyone who knew him. You are in our hearts and prayers. Terry and Sue Riffey

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