James Thomas Riggles, age 82, passed away peacefully October 16, 2018 at the Fidalgo Skilled Nursing Facility in Anacortes, Washington.  He was born on February 15, 1936 to Jessie J. Riggle and Willie (Reynolds) Riggle.

Upon graduation from High School in 1953 at Elmore City, Oklahoma, he moved to Russell, Kansas where he worked on the dairy farm for Eddie Fritzler.  September 15, 1955 he joined the US Navy.  He was united in marriage to Georgina Mae Miller on December 20, 1959.  In 1962 he was transferred to NAS Whidbey Island at Oak Harbor, Washington where he served the remainder of his 31 year Navy career.  During this time, he made 12 carrier cruises.  Following his Navy career, he worked at Boeing in Everett, Washington until his retirement in 1999.  He enjoyed camping and riding his motorcycle.  Jay was a member of the Fleet Reserve, American Legion and a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Jay was preceded in death by his father and mother, his brother Alford Riggle, sisters Dorothy Johnson and Loretha Battles.

He is survived by his wife Georgina ‘Gina’ (Miller), and sister Sandy Metha Ilson, and brothers Floyd, Sam, and Gerald, sister-in-law Susan Miller, and numerous nieces and nephews. 

A graveside service to celebrate James' life will be held at 11 A.M. on Friday, October 26, 2018, at the Russell City Cemetery in Russell, Kansas, with Pastor Roger Dennis officiating.  Military honors will be performed by the Russell V.F.W. Post # 6240.  Family will greet guests the day of the service.  Condolences can be sent in care of the mortuary.  Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.