James Riggle

James Riggle, 92, passed away on Wednesday, February 26, 2014, surrounded by his family and friends. James was born in Waelder, Texas, on February 13, 1922, to Osborne Jackson and Emma Caroline Riggle. James moved with his family to Pawnee and later to the Olmos Community. He then worked for a short time at the Agricultural Adjustment Administration where he met the love of his life, Frankie Rosalie Luthringer. He married Frankie on July 18, 1944, in Corpus Christi. James and Frankie moved to the Central Community in 1945 where they had three daughters, Janice, Cherry and Patty. James' life was centered in his wife, his daughters and the land. James and Frankie farmed and ranched in Bee County for more than 70 years. He was a director of the Federal Land Bank Association (1951-2003). He entertained as the auctioneer at The Trading Post with the help of his dear friends, Raymond Eissler and Henry Curd (1963-1970). He served as director at State Bank and Trust (1974-2006) and was a member of the Soil and Water Conservation Board for several years. James was proud of his service as a trustee on the School Board of Beeville Independent School District (1955-1963), during which he was an advocate for integration of the public schools. James was a long-time member of the Beeville Chamber of Commerce where he was influential in starting Bee County College and beginning a medical facility in Beeville. He and his wife, Frankie, were active participants in First United Methodist Church Beeville where he served in church leadership. James will be remembered for contributions to his community, and also for his love of family, story telling, singing, generosity, humility, and optimism for the future. James is survived by his daughters, Janice Riggle Huie (Bob) of Houston, Cherry Riggle Pichot (Claude) of Beeville and Patty Riggle Bonner (Byrd) of San Antonio; grandchildren ,Matthew Riggle Huie (Shambryn), Austin Pichot (Amy), Travis Riggle Pichot (Chrissy), Lou Caroline Riggle Bonner and Rosalie Riggle Bonner; great-grandchildren, Abigail Reagan Huie, David Riley Huie, Zachary Parke Huie, Sierra Elizabeth Pichot, and August James Pichot; and brother, Bobby Riggle of Fredericksberg. He was preceded in death by his wife, Frankie Rosalie Luthringer Riggle; grandson, David Patrick Huie; brother, O.J. Riggle Jr.; and sisters, Vera Bea Brimberry and Margaret Wroten. Visitation was held Friday, Feb. 28, from 6 to 8 p.m. at First United Methodist Church of Beeville. A Service of Celebration for the Life and Resurrection of James Riggle was held Saturday, March 1, at 11 a.m. at First United Methodist Church of Beeville with the Rev. Larry McRorey presiding. Interment followed in Glenwood Cemetery. Pallbearers were grandchildren, Matthew Riggle Huie, Austin Pichot, Travis Riggle Pichot, Lou Caroline Riggle Bonner, Rosalie Riggle Bonner and sons-in-law, Bob Huie, Claude Pichot, Byrd Bonner, and nephew, Mark Sugarek and niece, Stacey Rossow. Honorary pallbearers were his nephews, Dr. Bobby Wroten, Paul Brimberry, Russell Riggle, Cary Riggle, and friends, Fred Schauer III, Mike Huser and Donald Huser. Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church Scholarship Fund, 106 E. Cleveland, Beeville, Tx 78102 or Bids for Kids for Bee County Junior Livestock and Homemakers Show c/o John Galloway, P.O. Box 638, Beeville, TX 78104.