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James Riffey Obituary
Surviving Jim are his children Greg Riffey of Cortez; Randon Riffey and his wife Sheri of Arizona; Alesa Reed and her husband Spark of Dolores; Matt Riffey and his wife Denice of Arizona; and Hayden Riffey of Cortez. Jim and Elaine have 17 grandchildren and 37.5 great-grandchildren.
Jim was born in Mancos, Colorado, on December 25, 1934, to Albert Arnold Riffey and Desa (Giles) Riffey. He had one brother, Jack Riffey, who passed away in 2022. Jim graduated from Mancos High School in 1952. He married Elaine Ramsey on August 18th, 1956. Jim attended Fort Lewis College at the Old Fort Lewis site in Hesperus before it was moved to the hill in Durango. He later attended Denver University, receiving a BA in Business Management and Purchasing.
Jim and Elaine moved several times throughout the West but returned to their roots in 1974 when he was hired as the business manager for Montezuma Cortez School District. He worked for the school district for 31+ years before retiring to ranch/farm, fly, and winter in Arizona.
His legacy of service and love positively influenced so many in his community and lives on through his family, who will forever cherish their memories of a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend.
Funeral services for Jim will be held on February 22, 10:00 am at the LDS Church on County Road M.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Riffey
Diana Groh
February 24, 2025
I love you, Uncle Jim. My condolences to Elaine and the family.
Charlene Sattley
February 22, 2025
I didn't know about his passing or time of service. I would have been privileged to attend. I was Matt and Hayden's third grade teacher and gave them piano lessons. I started working for Montezuma- Cortez school district in 1975 so I was very well acquainted with Mr. Riffey. What a loss to all who knew him. Love you, Charlene Sattley
Ginger Freeman
February 21, 2025
He raised a great family and you can just tell. I went to school w Hayden and my sister went to school with Matt you and your family are in my prayers. Your dads an angel in the sky with my dad.
Matt Riffey
February 21, 2025
I wish I could share all my happy memories of my dad here. I´ll say this, I am proud to be his son and he was a great example to me and many others. I could not have asked for a better dad.
Ken and Margaret Petersen
February 20, 2025
Jim was the Bishop of the Cortez 2nd Ward when we moved there in August, 1981. He was very kind and helpful to us! We will always remember him with love!
Kreston Lee
February 20, 2025
Jim was a good example to us growing up. A great mentor.
Randy C Dalton
February 11, 2025
From the first moment I met Jim, I liked him. You couldn't know him and not experience his warm and easy friendship. I also will always greatly appreciate the friendship he had with my dad. He was loved by many, and I have been blessed to know him.
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