James Andrew Riffe Sr.

James Andrew Riffe, Sr., 69 of Narrows passed away suddenly and unexpectedly in the late hours of Friday night, April 18th, 2008 at his home. A lifelong resident of Giles County, he was born on November 9th, 1938 and was the son of the late Hedley Lewis and Claire Mabel Tipton Riffe. From a young age, Jim served his community in a number of different endeavors. A 1957 graduate of Narrows High School and a Fall 1960 graduate of Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science, he served as the President and Manager of Riffe's Funeral Service in Narrows, caring for thousands of families in their times of loss. Jim was a faithful member of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Narrows where he taught Sunday School and served as a Deacon, Elder and Chairman of the Board. He was a charter member of the Giles Lifesaving and Rescue Squad, and served in the Narrows Volunteer Fire Department for over 30 years as an Assistant Captain, Chaplain, and a Purchasing Agent. Jim also served on the Giles County 911 Formation Committee and the New River Community College Board of Directors. He was the first president of the Narrows Business and Professional Association, a past-president of the Narrows Lions Club, a past-president of the Blue Ridge Funeral Directors Association, and served the Virginia Funeral Directors Association on the Legislative Committee, Disaster Response Committee, and on the Board of Directors. But he will best be remembered as a loving husband, father and grandfather to his family and simply as, "Button," the nickname he lovingly earned from his grandson. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 43 years, Allie Smith Riffe of Narrows; a son, James Andrew Riffe, Jr. and wife Joyce of Narrows; a daughter, Andrea Ann Riffe of Cornelius, North Carolina; a grandson, Tyler Andrew Riffe; a sister, Rebecca Straley and husband Don of Eggleston; and several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, April 22nd, 2008 at 2 PM at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Narrows with The Rev. Dennis Martin officiating. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery in Narrows. The family will receive friends at First Christian Church, 605 Memorial Boulevard in Narrows Monday from 5 to 9 PM. The family requests that those sending memorial contributions, please consider First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Narrows to be earmarked for the Memorial Fellowship Hall and Kitchen Renovation Project. Givens Funeral Home in Pearisburg and Wickline Funeral Home in Lindside are assisting Riffe's Funeral Service with arrangements. Online condolence messages to the family can be sent to www.riffes.com.