James W. Riffe

James W. Riffe, 77, of West Madison, WV went home to be with the Lord on March 25, 2025 at St. Mary's Medical Center in Huntington, WV. He was born on May 18, 1948 to the late Stewart and Vivian Riffe. He was also preceded in death by his brother Leo; and sisters Janice Grant (Riffe), Carolyn Wilson, and Sandy Ison. 

He was a proud member of the UMWA Local 633 and a retired Coal Miner from Eagle Nest Mine. He also worked for the International Union. In the late 80's he was President of the Boone County Ambulance Authority. He was a member of Odell Lodge #115 A.F. & A.M., Madison WV. A 32-degree Mason in the Scottish Rite, Charleston WV. He was also a member of the Beni Kedem Shrine in Charleston, a member of Danville Area Lions Club and a member of the Elks Lodge. It gives us peace knowing he rededicated his life to the Lord and was also baptized with his children present.

He is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Phyllis Riffe; his sister Brenda Bowman of Jackson, GA; his children Kevin Riffe, Jamie (Shawna) Riffe of Racine, WV, Angie (Daniel) Russ of Holden Beach, North Carolina, Josh (Stacie) Riffe of Madison WV and stepdaughter Crissey (Dwane) Ryan; grandchildren, Erin Beth Craft, Gage Branham, Draven Riffe, Davie Hawks and Ayden and Lukas Ryan; and great grandchildren, Corbin, Canyon and Crymson Craft.

We would like to thank the University of Cincinnati in Ohio for the wonderful care they gave to him and St. Mary's Medical Center. We also want to thank every church and person for their prayers through this difficult journey. 

Pallbearers will be Jimmy Kitchen, Tony Sigmon, Draven Riffe, Gage Branham, Ellis Mullins and Cameron Craft.

A Masonic Memorial Service will be held 2 p.m. Sunday, March 30, 2025 at Handley Funeral in Danville, WV, with a visitation one hour prior to the service with his grandson Draven Riffe delivering a Eulogy and Tim Spratt conducting the service. Burial will follow at Family Gardens on Low Gap Road.