James Edgar Riggs

James Edgar Riggs, 76, of New Philadelphia, passed away Wednesday, June 24, 2020 at his home following a period of declining health.

A son of the late George Edgar and Helen Jean (Snyder) Riggs, James was born August 16, 1943 at Dover, Ohio.

James graduated from New Philadelphia High School in 1961. He then continued his education at Andrews Barber Institute at Columbus where he earned his Master Barber Certification.

He was a longtime employee of Greer Steel and retired in 2000 after 27 years of service. Following retirement, James operated his own barbershop out of his home for the next 17 years.

He was an active member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church at New Philadelphia and formerly served as council president.

James led a very active life which revolved quite a bit around sports. He served on numerous officiating crews for sports over the years and most notably, he was inducted into the Tuscarawas County Football Officials Hall of Fame. On October 31, 2004, James was inducted into the Cy Young Tuscarawas County Old Timers Baseball Association Hall of Fame. He was an avid golfer and was a member of the Senior League at Five Waters Golf Course. He and his wife, Karen, enjoyed square dancing and were former members of the Star Promenaders Modern Western Square Dance Club.

He is survived by his wife, Karen (Maurer) Riggs whom he married on December 28, 1963; his children, Rev. Andrew (Victoria) Riggs of New Philadelphia, Samuel (Glenna) Riggs of Winfield, West Virginia and Christine (Christopher) Grecol of North Canton; his grandchildren, Anna, Abigail, Samantha and Chase Riggs and Andrew, Jonathan and Elizabeth Grecol; brothers-in-law, Dave Delaney and Terry (Betsy) Maurer and several nieces and nephews.

James was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Shirley and Joyce.

In keeping with James’ wishes there will be no calling hours and cremation will take place through the care of the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. A family memorial service will be in Emmanuel Lutheran Church at a later date.

Contributions may be made in James’ memory to Community Hospice, 716 Commercial Avenue SW, New Philadelphia, OH 44663 or to Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 202 East High Avenue, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.