Obituary of James P. Riggins

James P. “JP” Riggins, 95, of Troy, beloved husband for nearly 73 years to the late Pearl Henry Riggins,

peacefully entered eternal life surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, July 18, 2026.

Born in Williamsburg County, SC., he was the son of the late Charlie and Eleaze Dixson Riggins.

Mr. Riggins retired from Al-Tech Specialty Steel (formerly Allegheny Ludlum) in Watervliet (Town of Colonie) where he was a Frontline Supervisor.

As a faithful member of Bethel Baptist Church of Troy, Mr. Riggins served as a Choir Member, Trustee, and a Bus Driver over the course of many years.

In Troy and surrounding areas, Mr. Riggins was renowned for his beloved barbeque ribs and barbeque sauce.

Devoted Father of Dorraine Riggins of Philadelphia. PA., Geraldine (Gary) Stevens of Rotterdam, NY., Steven M. (Linda) Riggins of Bowie, MD., Rochelle Riggins of Randallstown, MD., and the late James P. “Jim” Riggins, Jr., adopted daughters Pennie Simon, and the late Jacqulyne Martin, adopted sons Anthony Martin (Beth) and Marvin Gardner.

Brother of Rev. Charles Riggins, Dora Reid, Eddie (Mildred) Riggins, the late Ida (late, Willie) Martin, late Barbara (late, Charles) Gause, and the late Janrett (late, Zetta) Riggins, cherished Grandfather of  Tori (Chris) Plummer, Courtney Evans, Austin Riggins and Jasmine Riggins; adored Great Grandfather of Chris Plummer, Jr., Jaden Plummer, Joshua Plummer, Zyaire Huff and Zyn Huff, loving Godfather to Corsina (Michael) Wiley and Carl Wallace, also survived by several loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of relatives and friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to the Home Going Service on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Bethel Baptist Church, 2165 Fifth Ave, Troy, and to the Visitation which will be held at the Church earlier that morning from 09:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.  Interment will be held in Elmwood Hill Cemetery in Troy.

The Riggins family wishes to extend their most sincere gratitude to The Eddy Memorial Geriatric Center, for their medical expertise, compassion, and loving care.

In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make memorial contributions to the James & Pearl Riggins Memorial Scholarship. The competitive scholarship will be funded annually to college students aspiring to further their education and pursue excellence in their chosen field of study.

For online contributions, please visit the donation page at https://raineyday.app.neoncrm.com/forms/jpr

For check payments, please make checks payable to James and Pearl Riggins Memorial Scholarship and mail to P. O. Box 102, Troy, NY. 12181.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted by the family to the John J. Sanvidge Funeral Home, Inc., 565 Fourth Ave, Troy, NY 12182.

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