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James Riggs Obituary
Born April 30, 1941, in Monroe, Jim was the son of the late Burnette and Katie V. (Sweat) Riggs. He attended Lincoln Elementary School and Monroe High School.
On Aug. 1, 1959, Jim married his beloved wife, the former Iona McPeek, in Monroe. Jim worked as foreman out of Laborers' Local 465 for 22 years, from which he retired in December of 1993.
Jim was a Golden Gloves champion and fought in the Michigan Tough Man Competition in 1980. He enjoyed playing softball, golfing and cooking for his grandchildren. Most of all Jim cherished time spent with his wife, children, grandchildren and extended family.
Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Iona; five loving children: Robin Riggs of Sylvania, Ohio, James (Mary Kay) Riggs, Michelle (Marty) Farris, Jeff (Cheri) Riggs and Jason (Angie) Riggs, all of Monroe; a special friend, Beth Wirick; cherished grandchildren: Nichole (Adam) Price, Jeremy and Joshua Riggs, Mark Bourbina, Joey Bussdieker, Jerid, Justin, Megan, Drake, and Preslie Riggs, Amaya and Ryan Leslie, and Abby Wirick, treasured great-grandchildren: Mikenzy and Maddin Bourbina, Stella and Tessa Price; siblings: Edward "Dickie" (Carol) Riggs, Shirley (Richard) Kirby and Betty (Richard) Cousino, and two sisters-in-law, Bonnie and Fran Riggs, all of Monroe.
In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by three sisters: Opal Miller, Clydie Riggs and Lucille Williams, and five brothers: George, Arnold, William John, Tommy and Joseph.
Visitation will be held 1-8 p.m. Friday in the Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Rd., Monroe, MI, 48161. On Saturday, July 29, 2017, he will lie in state at Monroe Missionary Baptist Church from 10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. funeral services celebrating his life. The Rev. Roy Southerland, pastor of the church, will officiate. Private interment services will be held at Roselawn Memorial Park.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Joe's Boxing Club, Great Lakes Caring Hospice or to a charity of the donor's choice.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page at www.bacarellafuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Riggs
Sponsored by Bacarella Funeral Home, Inc..
4 Entries
JUDY HAMRICK
August 4, 2017
Michelle, I am so very sorry for the loss of your dad. Times like these we never truly know what to say. I hope knowing that he will hurt no more will bring you peace with each passing day.
My sincerest condolences,
Judy Pope Hamrick
KELLEY
August 1, 2017
MAY THE THOUGHT OF KNOWING THAT FAMILY AND FRIENDS SHARE IN YOUR GRIEF BRING YOU A MEASURE OF COMFORT.PLEASE READ PROV 17:17
roger sweet
July 28, 2017
In my younger years there always seemed to be a "Riggs" that I could rely on as a true friend. Joe and I were very good friends.(I am a Vietnam Veteran) Tommy and Bonnie were great neighbors. Dickie and I left the same day for military service, and Jim and I played ball together.
To Jim I say: This is a very sad time, but when I hear the name "Riggs" I shall remember you all with a smile not a tear.
Roger Sweet
Kim Fortner
July 28, 2017
Sorry for your loss prayers for you and your family.
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