james “jim” rigsby
1885-1955
Life Story
Born: November 17, 1885
Died: September 24, 1955
Laid to Rest: Evans Cemetery, Newton County, Mississippi
Early Life and Family Background
James “Jim” Rigsby was born on November 17, 1885, in Newton County, Mississippi. He was the son of Allen Rigsby (1857–1941) and Mollie Chapman Rigsby (1863–1933). Growing up in the Bethel and Altare communities, Jim worked as a farm laborer—an essential occupation that sustained many Black families during the early 20th century. He completed the 8th grade of elementary school, which represented a notable achievement for African Americans in rural Mississippi at the time.
Marriage and Children
Jim married Assenia Evans Rigsby (1886–1982), daughter of Harry Evans and Caroline Thompson Evans. Together they built a large family characterized by strong faith and community ties. Their children were:
- Ceola Lee Rigsby (1906–1989)
- Mary L. Rigsby (1909–?)
- Eugene Rigsby (1913–1972)
- Clinton Rigsby (1915–1969)
- R.K. Rigsby (1916–?)
- Elbert Rigsby (1918–1989)
- Cora Rigsby (1919–1960)
- Vonzia J. Rigsby (1921–?)
- Grady Rigsby, Sr. (1923–1985)
- Cloateal Rigsby (1926–?)
- Inez Rigsby (1928–?)
- Mackie Rigsby (1930–?)
Faith and Community Life
Jim joined St. John Baptist Church, where he remained a dedicated member for more than 25 years. His obituary described him as living a “devoted and upright Christian life,” serving as a loving husband, father, and community example. His church family remembered him as a bright presence whose faithfulness inspired others.
Later Years and Passing
Jim died on September 24, 1955, at the local hospital after a brief illness. Funeral services were held on September 28 at St. John Baptist Church, where the sanctuary was filled with relatives and friends. Rev. J. W. Wheeler officiated, assisted by other ministers, and heartfelt remarks were offered regarding Jim’s Christian walk and impact on the community.
He was laid to rest in the Evans Cemetery, surrounded by generations of family members who came before and after him.
Legacy
Jim Rigsby is remembered as a steadfast worker, a devoted family man, and a faithful church member whose presence strengthened both his family and the larger Newton County community. His life reflects the endurance, dignity, and community-centered spirit that characterized many African American families in early 20th-century Mississippi.
Resting Place
Photos/Albums
Sources
- 1900 Federal Census
- 1910 Federal Census
- 1920 Federal Census
- 1930 Federal Census
- 1940 Federal Census
- 1950 Federal Census
- Indiana, U.S., Death Certificates, 1899-2011
- U.S., World War I Civilian Draft Registrations, 1917-1918
- U.S., World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918
- U.S. WWII Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947
- U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007
- The Newton Record, Jim Rigsby Obituary, Thu, Oct 06, 1955 ·Page 13
- U.S., Find a Grave® Index, 1600s-Current
Leave a Reply