MANUEL JOSEPH "JUNGLE JIM" RIVERA

MANUEL JOSEPH "JUNGLE JIM" RIVERA, 96, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2017. Born in New York, N.Y., Jim was a son of the late Gregory and Mary (Veranco) Rivera. "Big Jim" or "Jungle Jim" were his nicknames given to him during his 10 year baseball career. He played for the Chicago White Sox from 52-61 and was a key part in the 1959 pennant winning team. He led the majors in triples in 1955 and stolen bases in 1956. He was known for many of his unique skills as a baseball player but none more than sliding head first into base. His love for baseball continued after his career and he was always willing to sit down and talk with others and sign autographs for the fans. After baseball, Jim owned and operated Captain's Cabin Restaurant and Lounge on Crooked Lake in Angola for 26 years, prior to his retirement. He was a lifetime member of the Elks, being named Elk of the year in 1969, and Celebrity of the year in 1991. He was also a member of the Major League Baseball Alumni Association, and the American Legion. He enjoyed playing golf until age 90, particularly with the Railroaders, and racquet ball until age 80. Surviving are his wife, Nancy (McLaughlin) Rivera of Fort Wayne; brothers, Howard (Antonia) Rivera of Puerto Rico, Gregory (Lucy) Rivera of Sunrise, Fla.; and sister-in-law, Janie (Phil) Caudill of Port Charlotte, Fla. He was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Saltzman. A time for gathering and fellowship is from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, 2017, at D. O. McComb & Sons Maplewood Park Funeral Home, 4017 Maplecrest Road, with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. Memorials may be made to the Turnstone Center, Fort Wayne Rescue Mission, or Chicago Baseball Cancer Charities. To sign the online guest book, please go to www.mccombandsons.com