Jim Rivers passed away on November 8th after a lengthy illness.  He was a member of New Life Baptist Church, and he has moved on to a place with no sickness or pain.

He was preceded in death by his parents John and Ellen Rivers, his brothers Clayton and Bill Rivers and his sister Shelby Jackson and her husband J.T. Jackson, his brothers-in-law Howard Finch, Pete McCarroll, J.D. Mayton, and David Phipps, his sisters -in-law Mary Burfield and Debbie Mayton.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Susie who he said was his first girlfriend beginning in the 2nd grade. His daughters, Michelle Cagley (Ben) and Carla Daugherty (Steve) and by his grandchildren whom he adored and who made him so proud.   Jordan Daugherty (Kaitlin), Katie Cagley (Alexander), Nick Cagley and Colin Daugherty.

He is survived by his sister Peg Sands (Frank), brother David “Moe” Rivers (Melody), sisters-in-law, Linda Rivers, Caroline Rivers, Corrine Finch, Norma Black (Jerry), Erma McCarroll, Marlene Mayton and Teresa Phipps.  Brothers -in-law Carl “Buddy” Mayton (Sylvia), Doug Burfield, Paul Mayton (Marjorie), Steve Mayton (Donna), and Phillip Mayton.

He was blessed to have several nieces and nephews and their children as part of his family.

Jim joined the Navy after high school and made lifelong friends. He remained close with several of them for the rest of his life.

Jim was a lifetime learner and earned an associate’s degree and finished his bachelor’s degree while working and raising a family.  He worked at the plants in Oak Ridge until his retirement where he honed his supervisory skills which he used on all types of projects for the rest of his life (both at work and at home). He and his brothers operated a silver recovery business, and he designed and patented machines.

Jim helped the Coalfield School and community in the development of a medical center and library as well as many other projects.  He served on the school board and economic development board.

He and Susie loved to travel and made trips all over the US and world with lifelong friends Maurice and Nadine Flores and their family. He shared his sense of adventure with his grandkids.

The family will receive friends on Monday evening, November 11, 2024 from 5-7:00 pm at New Life Baptist Church, 510 Devonia St. Harriman, Tn 37748. The funeral service will begin at 7:00 with Pastor Tommy Kilby officiating. A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, 1:00 in Davis Cemetery, Coalfield.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you make donations to New Life Baptist Church or Samaritan’s Purse.  https://www.samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/