James Riggan, Jr.

James Maury Riggan, Jr. (Jimmy) was born in Pearsall, Texas on June 5, 1925. He died on April 30, 2012 in Waxahachie, Texas. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Dorothy Yvonne Riggan. They have 4 children, Karen Curry (Craig, deceased) of Waxahachie, TX, James Michael Riggan (Betsy) of Oak Hill, VA, Sheri Williams (Scott) of Highland Park, IL, and Jeffery Riggan of Corpus Christi, Texas. He has 7 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. Jimmy is also survived by his sister, Fay Jean Carter. Jimmy graduated from Texas A&M University in 1942 and joined the Navy on March 13, 1943. He met and married Yvonne in California. He served in the Navy as a fighter pilot and fought in the Korean War, earning numerous medals for bravery and courage, including a Purple Heart. After the war, he supervised the development and implementation of what is now the ejection seat for military pilots. He was selected and attended the War College in Quantico, VA. He reached rank of Commander before retiring on December 31, 1963. Upon Commander Riggan's retirement, he joined the electrical and plumbing business with his father in Pearsall, Texas. He eventually assumed ownership of the business for over 30 years. As a business leader in the community, he helped others through generous acts of kindness and support, often giving new entrepreneurs the start they needed. He had many friends who enjoyed his company and respected his selfless contributions to his country and his community. He also enjoyed many hobbies; cooking, traveling, photography and creating beautiful works of stained glass. He will be greatly missed by his family who hope to carry on his legacy of courage and love of life and family. Services to celebrate his life are scheduled for 11:00 AM Thursday, May 03, 2012 at the Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery with full military honors. Arrangements are under the direction of Wayne Boze Funeral Home in Waxahachie

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