James Rivers Jr.

A Reflection of the Life of James Rivers, Jr. Sunrise – October 2, 1941 Sunset – May 9, 2019 James Rivers, Jr. was born on October 2, 1941 to James and Naomi Rivers in the oldest city within the U.S. state of Georgia, the coastal city of Savannah, established in 1733 on the river. He was the only son and the second of two children. James and his sister Gwendolyn grew up working in the historic African American owned Bessie’s Restaurant, their Family’s soul food restaurant in Savannah, GA, exclusively known for its crispy fried chicken; seasoned collard greens with hot pepper sauce, red rice served daily, homemade breads, smothered pork chops with gravy, pig feet, and chitterlings. Notably, James’ collard greens recipe exhibits southern cuisine at its best. Moreover, this invaluable familial experience shaped him into a committed worker, a man full of strong compassion, and an inherent lover of humbly serving others. In fact, James would freely give you his very last of anything. He was truly a cheerful giver forsaking self. James Rivers, Jr. received his formal education in the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System and accepted JESUS CHRIST as his personal savior at the New Hope Apostolic Holiness Church of Savannah, Georgia under the spiritual guidance of Father and Mother McKenzie. Factually, the Church’s history reflects his Family’s significance in its organizational founding. Providentially, James enlisted and served his country first in the United States Army and received his General Education Diploma while serving. He then enlisted and served his country faithfully, in the United States Navy inclusive of a foreign active duty deployment during the Vietnam War, where he witnessed the brutalities of war, which had a lasting effect on his life. However, James persevered and migrated to the Manhattan borough of New York, New York. James Rivers, Jr. met and married the former Shirley Ann Ruffin of Portsmouth, Virginia on December 5, 1969, while both were employees of the United States Postal Service in the Manhattan borough of New York City and from this marital union, they raised two wonderful children, Eric Keith Rivers and Craig Lamont Rivers. James Rivers, Jr. worked for the following employers: the aforementioned United States Postal Service, General Motors Cadillac, the Norfolk and Southern Railroad, the Norfolk Public School System, the Henrico Public School System, where he retired, and the Bon Secours Health System. James also worked as a Longshoreman at the Savannah ports. James served his country again in the United States Navy Reserve. He became a passionate Prince Hall Mason after returning to Savannah with his wife and children and made a monumental difference in the lives of so many by serving as a Boy Scout Leader there. Moreover, everyone who knows James coins him as a strategically avid chess player and a 10,000 – 18,000+ piece jigsaw puzzle genius. James later joined World Overcomers Family Church of Richmond, Virginia where his wife Shirley serves, and he participated in the Ushers’ Ministry. Page 2 – James Rivers, Jr. James Rivers, Jr. peacefully transitioned from this earthly life on Thursday, May 9, 2019 at his home in Walkerton, VA and leaves to cherish his memory, a loving and devoted wife, Shirley Ann Rivers of Walkerton, VA; two sons, Eric Keith Rivers, Sr. (Carlette) of Prince George’s County, MD and Craig Lamont Rivers of Baltimore, MD; five grandchildren, Imani Rivers, Nyja Rivers, Eric Keith Rivers, II, Cavion Rivers, and Jordan Rivers; one great-grandchild, Isaiah Rivers; one sister, Gwendolyn Brown (Willie) of California; three sister-in-laws, Jean Logan (the late George), Simonee Thomas (Reverend Bernard), Angela Griffin (Theopolis); a special niece, Wanda Daughtry (Nathaniel); and a host of nieces, nephews, family members, and friends. His parents, James and Naomi, preceded him in death. We thank our ALMIGHTY GOD for sending James our way. We shall never forget James Rivers, Jr., a man who cared.

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James Rivers Jr.

October 2, 1941 - May 9, 2019