James Riekse Jr.

Jamie was one of my best friends in elementary school. I remember her father well, and how proud she was that he worked for the news. Sending my sincere condolences <3

To Jim's family and children ~
We were proud to have your son, father, grandfather or uncle as a friend. Jim was a great resource for advice and a servant to the city of Grand Rapids.
Ruth and Carl Kelly

To the Riekse family, My heart goes out. I will keep you all in my prayers. And to Jim, I thank you for all that you have done with WZZM TV-13. I will never forget about the story VOICES FROM THE HEART. That was one of my favorites. RIP Jim.

To Jim's Loved Ones ~
Because we live in Florida, we had not heard about Jim's passing until Barbara Clayton Price e-mailed us the sad news. Jim was also a classmate of mine (South High School, Class of 1963) and a great friend. He was very instrumental in assisting me and the rest of our "team" in making our 20-year Class Reunion become a reality. I was so happy to see him again at the 40th and he flashed that big smile of his. He hadn't changed; I recognized him immediately!

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Dear Family,
I was deeply saddened today when I first received the news of Jim’s death. Jim was in my sister Diahn’s wedding to Bruce Cossar and was my classmate in high school. Jim was friend to me as well as my parents, whom he visited on his own from time to time. I will miss my friend at future high school reunions, as well as occasionally seeing him around town. Jim was friend to everyone and greatly respected in his community. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of...

It was an award-winning staff at GRJC's Collegiate newspaper in the mid-1960s that had Jim as its trail-blazing ad salesman. He challenged and won over everyone with his hard work, good nature, big smile and enduring friendship. We spent a lot of time together in those days of fun and growth. As time passed, we didn't see each other often, but he remained a steady friend and his loss really saddens me. All the best to his family. He often talked of you, always with love.

Dear Riekse Family-

We are so very sorry to hear of your loss. Please take good care of yourselves in this difficult time. You are much in our thoughts.

To James and Helena, all of Jim's children and grandchildren and his dear friend Bill, we have you in our thoughts. We loved Jim and valued his dedication to our community.
Ruth and Carl Kelly