James Riggs

James Ezra Riggs, 82, of Jackson passed away Thursday, April 5, 2018, at Monticello House.

He was born Dec. 3, 1935, in Ridgely, Tennessee, son of Barney and Pauline James Riggs. He and Betty Sue Long were married Aug. 17, 1957, in Braggadocio, Missouri.

He graduated from Arkansas State University in 1953 with a bachelor's degree and earned his master's degree from Missouri University Science and Technology at Rolla.

James taught high school math for 31 years, including algebra, trigonometry and physics at East Prairie, Missouri. He later became assistant principal at East Prairie High School.

James and his wife, Betty, moved to Kentucky Lake after retirement to enjoy fishing and gardening. They were members of First Baptist Church in East Prairie and later First Baptist Church in Murray, Kentucky, where he also taught Sunday school.

Loving survivors include his wife of 60 years, Betty Riggs; two daughters, Lisa (Perry) Jones of Calhoun, Kentucky, and Laura (John) Robinson of Jackson; three grandchildren, Lucas Jones, Kendall (Nathan) Lee and Ashley (Josh) Puckett; a great-grandson, Harper Lee; and two sisters, Doris Ann (the late Larry) Green of Kennett, Missouri, and Sue Beth (Bert) Rowell of Braggadocio.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Linda Riggs.

Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Monday at McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson.

Funeral will be at 11 a.m. Monday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Randy Riley officiating. A graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday in Murray Memorial Garden Cemetery in Murray, with the Rev. Boyd Smith officiating.

Memorials may take the form of contributions to the Southern Baptist Convention North American Mission Board.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.