James Rigby Obituary

James (Jim) F. Rigby, Sr. was born in San Antonio, Texas on April 12, 1942.He had a difficult upbringing and attended seventeen different schools before enlisting in the United States Air Force on August 5, 1959. His first assignment was the 609th Radar Squadron at Eufaula Air Force Station, Alabama where he met his future wife, Joanne. His other assignments included: Dauphin Island Air Force Station, Alabama (two times), Lowery AFB, Colorado, Iceland, Hunter AFB, Savannah, Georgia, Oklahoma City, Opheim AFS, Montana, Colorado Springs, Colorado, Woomera, Australia and finally to Langley AFB, Virginia. Jim retired at the rank of Chief Master Sergeant on September 30, 1989 after 30 years and 29 days of service.
Jim worked for H&R Block part-time as a tax preparer for 30 years. He began working for the United States Postal Service as a rural letter carrier in February 1990 and worked out of the Driver Station Post Office in Suffolk, Virginia until December 2007. In his spare time, he enjoyed throwing pottery. He demonstrated pottery at the Newport News Fall Festival for over thirty years. Throughout life, he always loved reading and doing crossword puzzles. When growing up, he read encyclopedias for fun! He was quick to share lots of trivial facts.
Bethel Baptist Church was always an important part of his life for 43 years. He faithfully served as a deacon, usher and on various committees. He also helped in the kitchen for Wednesday night suppers.
Jim is survived by his wife of 61 years and 354 days, Joanne. Jim was a great dad and papa to all his children and grandchildren. He is survived by his children James F. Rigby Jr. (Carolyn), Angela Williams (Reuben Sr.), Joanna Croke (Christopher) and Amelia Rigby. Grandchildren Evie Goodson (Cliff), Reuben Williams Jr., Grace Williams and Griffin Croke and great-grandchild, Ford. He is also survived by his brothers, Ed Rigby of Texas and LC Morris (Sylvia) of Hawaii. He was preceded in death by his mother, Ann Morris, sister Georgette Morris and grandson, James Christopher Rigby. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2025 at 11:00 AM in Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery (Across the street from church). A memorial service will be held on Sunday August 3, 2025 at 3:00 PM in Bethel Baptist Church, 1004 Yorktown Road, Yorktown, Va. Arrangements are by Amory Funeral Home, Grafton, Va.