James Riggle

James Riggle, age 91, of Chicago, IL, passed away Thursday, July 25, 2024, at Big Meadows Nursing Home, in Savanna, IL.

James was born January 11, 1933 in Chicago, IL, the son of Rudolph and Margaret (O’Grady) Riggle. He grew up on the south side, graduating from Chicago Vocational High School with the class of 1951. On May 5, 1951, James married Effie Santee.

The young couple wasted no time starting their family, while living in the Hyde Park area. Several years later they moved to Edison Park, on the north side, where they resided for 65 years, until the last few months, when they moved to Savanna, so that family could assist with their care.

James was a hard-working man who worked several jobs in his younger years, before settling into a 40 year career driving a truck in the steel industry, retiring in 1998. James was a simple man who strived for a simple life anchored by honesty, work ethic, and high moral character. He was the type to never take a sick day, and even pushed to return to work early, the one time he experienced a period of medical leave.
In his free time he enjoyed cooking various “concoctions” for his family, as well as reading and crossword puzzles.

James is survived by his wife of 73 years, Effie Riggle; children, Thomas Riggle, of Palatine, IL, Diane Reeves, of Galena, IL, Daniel Riggle, of Maryland, James (Kim) Riggle, Jr., of Virginia, and Barbara Riggle, of Chicago; daughter-in-law, Laurie Riggle, of Savanna; eight grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren; and brother, Raymond Riggle, of Tennessee. James is preceded in death by his parents, Rudolph and Margaret Riggle; sons, Richard Riggle, Charles Riggle, and John Riggle; sister, Eleanor Riggle; and brothers, Terry Riggle and Robert Riggle.