James Andrew Riffe Sr.

James Andrew Riffe Sr. obituary, Narrows, VA

James Andrew Riffe Sr.

James Riffe Obituary

Published by Riffe's Funeral Service, Inc. on Apr. 18, 2008.
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.

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

How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor James Riffe's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign James Riffe's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?