James Rioux

1948 - 2021

RIOUX, James A Sr "Jim" USMC 73, of Safety Harbor, passed away peacefully in his home May 29, 2021. Jim was born in Laconia, New Hampshire March 14, 1948, to Edward A. and Anita Eva Simoneau Rioux. They preceded him in death as did his sister, Frances Rioux Richardson Mears. Jim's family moved to the Pinellas area during his childhood and he attended North Ward Elementary School. His family returned to New Hampshire where in 1965, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps two days after his seventeenth birthday. Wishing to serve his country during the Viet Nam era he was a proud Marine who served from 1965 to 1968. When his enlistment was finished, his family moved to Clearwater permanently. Jim met his soon to be wife, Janis Barrett in 1969. They were married and together for fifty one years. Jim was a graduate of St. Petersburg Jr. College and transferred to USF where he received a BA Degree Cum Laude from the College of Business Administration in 1976. He went on to take the Florida Board of Accounts exam and became a Certified Public Account in 1978. He was then granted admission to The Florida State Board of Accountancy as well as the American Institute of Certified Public Accountancy and the Florida Board of Accountancy, all in 1978. Jim had two sons, James A. Rioux Jr., Joshua B. Rioux, and a daughter, Jessica Rioux Gruse. Jim also had three grandchildren, Garrette J. Rioux, Sofia Rioux, and Brynn Rioux. A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 26, at 2 pm at Curlew Hills Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Bay Pines Volunteer Services.