James Junior Rigger
James Junior Rigger
Funeral services for James Junior Rigger (Rieger), 96, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, May 13, 2023, in the Rose Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Rigger passed away at 2:16 a.m., Saturday, May 6, 2023, at his home.
He was born July 24, 1926, at Dora, Missouri, to James Rieger and Florence Orwick Rieger. On July 27, 1947, he was married at West Plains, to Phyllis Lorene Dobbs, who preceded him in death on August 24, 2013. Mr. Rigger was a veteran, having served with the United States Army during WWII and received many medals and accomplishments, including the Victory Medal European African Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, Meritorious Unit Award, Purple Heart Medal, Soldiers Medal and Army Occupation Medal of Germany; he fought in the Ordains-Rhineland Central Europe Campaign. Before his retirement, Mr. Rigger was a lineman at Howell-Oregon Electric Coop. He loved spending time with family and enjoyed being in nature. One of his biggest joys in life was helping people. James was a member of the VFW, Lion’s Club, Order of the Eastern Star and was a Mason.
He is survived by two children, Katherine Allee, Nixa, Missouri and Larry Rigger and wife, Kathleen, Springfield, Missouri; one daughter-in-law, Joyce Rigger, Nixa, Missouri; seven grandchildren, Dawn Bruffett and wife, Ellie, State of New York, James Bruffett and wife, Kendra, Nixa, Missouri, Amber Hopper Gall, Springfield, Missouri, Elizabeth Wheeler and husband, Ben, Springfield, Tara Rigger and husband, Allan Gibson, Springfield, Serenity Matney and husband, Tony, Lampe, Missouri and Eli Rigger, Nixa, Missouri; nine great-grandchildren, Skyla Bruffett, Henry Matney, Nate, William and Evie Bruffett, Kesler and Surelle Gibson, Ethan Hopper and Adeline Wheeler; two brothers, Lloyd Rieger and wife, Aggie, Twin Falls, Idaho and Norman Rieger, Aniston, Alabama; three sisters-in-law, Joy Rieger, West Plains, Gloria Rieger, Stockton, California and Delores Driscoll and husband, Jim, West Plains; and several nieces and nephews.
His parents, wife, one son, Bradley James Rigger, two great-grandchildren, Chloe Martinez and Jake Wheeler, two brothers, Joseph and Clinton Rieger, one sister-in-law, Peggy Rieger and one brother-in-law, Hervy Dobbs and wife, Donna, preceded him in death.
Visitation will be held from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m., Saturday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be in Hale Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Hale Cemetery or Sweeton Pond Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775
Mary E Evans
May 10, 2023 @ 10:08 am
Sorry to hear about JR. He was nice. Sending prayers to the family.
Sheila Calhoun
May 10, 2023 @ 1:53 pm
My heart is sad to know Jim
Is no longer with us . There was never a better man than Jim . He was a genuine man respected by everyone who knew him. I enjoyed our many phone calls and visits when I would travel through West Plains . I enjoyed his stories from WWII . He will be missed .
Patrick Lord
May 10, 2023 @ 7:24 pm
Honored to have known and shared some time with Mr. Rigger. He was one of a vanishing breed, and will be missed. Love, prayers, and much respect to the family, particularly his loyal son Larry.
Randall and Teresa (Eldringhoff) Romans
May 10, 2023 @ 8:29 pm
What a loss. The Rigger boys have been such a force in the world. It’s sad to lose one. Jim was a good one. We will miss seeing him around town and at the HOBA bluegrass festivals.
Robin R. Collins
May 10, 2023 @ 10:15 pm
You will forever be Grandpa Rigger to me! I am so sad to hear of your passing. Growing up as your granddaughter was a blessing and honor. You taught me so much! How to drive a riding lawn mower, keep my cool under pressure, and that cottage cheese is bearable with canned peaches 🙂 There was definitely no one better than you! RIP and give Grandma Rigger a huge hug and kiss for me when you see her!
Melinda King
May 10, 2023 @ 11:21 pm
Truly a good man.
Phyllis Pendergrass Schimming
May 11, 2023 @ 9:17 am
So sorry to hear of Mr. Rigger’s passing. I visited with him a number of times on the phone about family history. He was very interesting to visit with. I knew Norman better. My Aunt Verlie talked about the Rieger boys so much and had them do chores for her. Her payment was a big homecooked meal. My mother, Madge was an Orwick, daughter of Bill. He will be greatly missed
Sherie Rieger Keyt
May 11, 2023 @ 1:51 pm
Uncle Jim left a wonderful legacy for his entire family. Etched in my memory are the
times I traveled with my dad, Lloyd, to the Rieger boy’s home place. I will always cherish that twinkle in Jim’s eye and positive outlook on life as he recounted their numerous adventures while growing up. As a teacher, I can only imagine the challenges he presented at times, but what culminated in a life well lived. The stories were great!
Carolyn Nies
May 12, 2023 @ 9:09 am
My sincere sympathy is extended to Mr. Rigger’s family with his passing. Especially to Larry and Kathy. He will long be remembered by all those persons he touched with his presence. He will be living on in the memories of his loved ones.
Cheri (Ford) Grisham
May 13, 2023 @ 7:53 am
Mom and I would like to offer our condolences to you all. James was such a kind man.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of his loved ones for Gods comfort for each of you.
Cheri (Ford) Grisham and Carolyn Walters
Larry Proffitt
May 17, 2023 @ 1:23 pm
Sorry to hear about Jim’s death. Enjoyed being around him to just listen to the stories he and others from the REA would tell. Praying for you all.