James R. Riggs

James R. Riggs of Indianapolis passed away on December 15, 2024, at the age of 88. Beloved husband of Janice (Croucher) Riggs. Loving father to Dena Riggs Hein and Jason (Monique) Riggs. Cherished grandfather to Andrew Hein and Adrienne Hein and dear friend to many. 

Jim grew up in historic Irvington where he attended Indianapolis public school #57 and Thomas Carr Howe High School. Following his graduation in 1953, he joined the U.S. Army and was deployed to serve the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea. Upon completing his service, utilizing the GI bill, he attended Indiana University. In 1961 he graduated with a Bachelor of Science, followed by a Master of Arts in 1964. He later achieved a Doctor of Philosophy from Purdue University in 1972. As a post doctoral fellow he studied and taught at Exeter College, Oxford University in England. 

Jim spent much of his professional life as an educator, first as a Social Studies teacher at Southport High School and other Indianapolis area schools, and then as a college professor of Political Science. He taught at Purdue University Northwest, Western Illinois University, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, and spent sixteen years at the University of Indianapolis. 

Jim was the co-author of a two-volume publication titled The American Search. In addition, he published several articles, many book reviews, and delivered professional papers at national conferences. 

Beyond academia, Jim was very active in community affairs. In mid1970’s he was a member of the Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee, the Marion County Tax Adjustment Board, and the Mayor’s Advisory Committee on Education and Desegregation. He also served as President of his local chapter of the American Association of University Professors. In 1976 he was elected to a four year term on the Indianapolis Board of School Commissioners, where he held the position of President, and earlier served as Vice President. 

In 1981, Jim transitioned careers and joined Emmis Communications during its startup phase. He served as Director of Research and Marketing, President of the Emmis Research Division, and as Senior Vice President before retiring in 2003. 

Upon retiring, he founded Riggs Research Services, specializing in quantitative market research for the public and private sectors, where his work included all fan research for the Seattle Mariners Baseball Club, and countless state and local political candidates. 

From early in his professional life to well into his retirement, he engaged in a significant amount of consulting. He was a talk show host on WNTS AM radio, and functioned as a political commentator on television with WFYI and WTHR where his expertise on the presidency, congress, and voting behavior was highlighted. He served as a researcher for Media Study, Incorporated, a company that produced documentary films for National Public Television, and served as a political strategist and consultant to several members of the Indiana General Assembly.

Jim also served on the board of directors for the Indiana Arthritis Foundation from 1985 to 1987 and Planned Parenthood of Central Indiana from 1988 to 1994. 

Jim was known as person who felt deeply about political causes and personal liberties. He advocated for civil rights, access to education, and the fair pay for teachers. He formed many lifetime friendships through this work, and many lifetime friendships with his former students and others who crossed his path over the years. 

In his personal life, Jim was an avid reader, who appreciated art. He loved baseball, his cats, and the koi ponds he managed on his property for many years. When not spending time with friends, family, and grandchildren, Jim and his wife Jan travelled to many international destinations. 

All who knew Jim will miss his gift for storytelling and his ability to engage people with his tremendous intellect and vast life experience. 

A visitation will be held on Friday, January 3, 2025, from 1pm to 4pm at Flanner and Buchanan in Broad Ripple, 1305 Broad Ripple Avenue, Indianapolis, 46220. 

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to the American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana.