James Craig Riggs, a beloved brother, uncle, friend, and servant to his community, passed away at 5 Points Long Term Care in College Station, Texas, on May 14, 2026, at the age of 83. Born on March 22, 1943, in Bryan, Texas, James, affectionately known as Jim, lived a life filled with love, laughter, and a dedication to the people and places he cherished.

The son of the parents John Kamm Riggs and Alice Wood Riggs, Jim was raised in a home where education, kindness, and compassion were paramount. Preceded in death by his parents he is survived by his brother Bruce Randall Riggs, wife Jane; brother Allan Dexter Riggs, nephews Robert A. Riggs, wife Erika; John W. Riggs, wife Marley; Edward G. Riggs, wife Michelle; Toby A. Riggs; niece Leah R. Bartlett (husband Brandon); and numerous great-nephews and nieces.

Jim graduated from A&M Consolidated High School in 1961. He pursued his love for the sciences earning a bachelor's degree in zoology in 1965 and a master's degree in biology in 1968 from Texas A&M University. He was a proud member of the Singing Cadets, served as Vice-President and later helped organize the Association of Former Singing Cadets.

Jim was a member of the Corps of Cadets at A&M, served on 6th Battalion Staff his senior year and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Chemical Corps. While stationed at Fort McClelland, Alabama, he was very proud that he qualified for the Expert Weapons Qualification Badge with the Flamethrower. He served as a Test officer at Dugway Proving Grounds, Utah, until 1970, forming friendships and memories he would carry with him throughout his life.

Following his military service, Jim began a career with Johnson & Johnson in Chicago, Illinois, before returning to Texas. In 1972, he joined Texas Parks and Wildlife in Austin, in the Comprehensive Planning Branch. He had many assignments there including managing the department’s Recreation Grants Program, preparing the predecessor to today’s “Texas Outdoor Recreation Plan” and legislative liaison. He was most proud of his role as Planning Coordinator for the Official Texas 150 Celebration at San Jacinto, in 1986. He was active in the Texas Recreation and Parks Society and the National Recreation and Parks Association. His career reflected his deep commitment to preserving the heritage and natural beauty of Texas, and providing recreational opportunities for current and future generations of Texans.

Jim's life was enriched by his passion for community involvement. He served as president of his homeowners association in Oak Hill, and as a dedicated member of Shepherd of the Hills Presbyterian Church in Austin, where he shared his voice in the choir and served as a Deacon and later as an Elder. His faith touched many lives with his spirit and generosity. He was a member of the Austin Civic Chorus, a volunteer with SeniorNet and the Central Texas Food Bank.

Among his many passions, Jim found great joy tending to his pecan trees and frustration with the squirrels who stole the pecans. Nurturing his wild Mustang grape vines, he found pleasure making and sharing grape jelly for friends and family.

There will be two services celebrating Jim's life. The first will be held on May 30, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 220 Rock Prairie Road, College Station, Texas 77845; the second on June 13, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Shepherd of the Hills Presbyterian Church, 5226 West William Cannon, Drive, Austin, Texas 77849.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Covenant Presbyterian Church – www.covenantpresbyterian.org – or Shepherd of the Hills Presbyterian Church – www.shpc.org – reflecting Jim's lifelong commitment to his faith and community.

The Riggs family expresses their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at 5 Points Nursing & Rehabilitation in College Station, for their compassionate care, the College Station Fire Department EMS, and Reverends Larry Coulter and Andy Blair for their support during this difficult time.

In remembering Jim, we celebrate a life lived with purpose, kindness, and an infectious joy for the journey of life itself. He leaves behind a legacy of love, community, and a reminder that each day is an opportunity to make meaningful connections with those around us. Jim will be dearly missed but never forgotten.