James Milton "Jim" Riser

Mr. James Milton "Jim" Riser, age 86, of Gautier, MS, died Friday, October 29, 2010, in Pascagoula.

Mr. Riser was originally from Forest, MS. He and his wife, Delois, lived most of their lives on the MS Gulf coast. They raised their family primarily in Pascagoula from 1958 until moving to North Vancleave in the mid 70's. He has been a resident of Gautier since 2006. Mr. Riser served in the Merchant Marines from 1942 until 1946. He opened the first B. F. Goodrich Store in Yazoo, MS and worked with the company six years. He opened Royal Tire and Appliance in Pascagoula, then owned Jim's Tire Co. in Pascagoula for over 45 years. He served as past president of the Independent Tire Dealers Association. and was a charter member of the Fur and Feathers Hunting Club. He enjoyed many years in the outdoors hunting, fishing, gardening, raising boar goats, horses, pigs and ducks. He also enjoyed semi-retirement with his wife.

Mr. Riser was preceded in death by his parents, James S. Riser and Effie Wolfe Riser; brothers, William Riser and Joseph Riser; sister, Christine (Foch) Duncan; his loving and devoted wife of 53 years, Delois Stegall Riser; and one daughter, Barbara Melinda (Jerry) Wiley.

Survivors include his sister, Elsie Hawkins of Jackson, MS; brother-in-law, Bubba Allums; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Roby and Ellen Stegall; three daughters, Mrs. Sonny (Ann) Pickett, Mrs. Tommy (Debbie) Price, Mrs. Donald (Sandy) Peterson; four sons, David (Teri) Riser, Butch (Sheila Breaux) Riser, Michael (Regina) Riser, Robin (Penny) Riser, and his devoted son-in-law, Jerry Wiley. He loved his seventeen grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren. The family would like to express thanks to all who have given care to Mr. Riser this past year and especially the caring neighbors who are now in trusted with the care of his pet, Little Joe.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Lung Association of MS, P. O. Box 2178, Ridgeland, MS 39158, or to St. John's Episcopal Church, 3507 Pine St., Pascagoula, MS 39567.

A memorial service for family and friends will be held Wednesday, November 3, 2010, at 10 a.m. at Indian Point in Gautier where he has enjoyed the fellowship of close friends. Rev. Eric Clark of Good Hope Baptist Church in Purvis, MS will officiate.



Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, Howard Avenue, is in charge of arrangements.

View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com.