James Linsy Riggs, 88, passed away on November 26, 2025, in Houston, TX.

James was born on August 20, 1937, in Oklahoma to James Linsy Riggs and Ruby Lee (Lewis) Riggs. From a young age, he discovered a passion for aviation. At just 16 years old, he completed his first solo flight in a Cessna 140 in October 1953. He grew up in Pierre, SD, earning his private pilot's license at 17 and his commercial license at 18. James graduated from T.F. Riggs High School in Pierre.

He went on to become a flight instructor at South Dakota State College in Brookings and also instructed within the ROTC program. At 21, James joined the military, where he logged 3,392 hours in various military aircraft. During his distinguished service, he earned the Distinguished Flying Cross and nineteen Air Medals. After retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel from the United States Marine Corps, he flew for Air West Airlines. In 1971 he joined Remote Sensing in Brookings, participating in aerial photography, and later became a pilot for United Airlines, where he flew for more than 20 years before retiring in 1997. Over the course of his lifetime, James logged nearly 22,000 flight hours.

His lifelong dedication to aviation earned him induction into both the South Dakota Aviation Hall of Fame and the Combat Air Crew Memorial.

In retirement, James enjoyed traveling the country in his RV and flying his Cherokee Piper throughout the United States with his dear friend, Shirley Lowrie.

James was preceded in death by his parents, James and Ruby Riggs, and his siblings Robert Riggs, Wayne Riggs, and Karen Riggs. He is survived by his daughters, Trish Riggs and Lori Johnson, both of Colorado; his siblings Cathy and Arlynn Anderson of Utah, Christine and Carl Hawkinson of South Dakota, Monte and Janet Riggs of South Dakota, Jane and Terry Tousley of South Dakota, and JoLinn and Steve Powell of Florida; and his special friend, Shirley Lowrie.

Burial with military honors at Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis, SD, will be held at a later date.