On the 19th of January 2021, James E. Rivers Jr. passed away in Columbus, Ohio, at 74 years of age.
Mr. Rivers is survived by his loving wife of twenty years, Mary J. Rivers, children and grandchildren.
James was a brilliant, caring, and resilient man; he had an unbreakable spirit and a heart of gold. In his youth, James honorably served his country as a United States Marine. He loved to laugh, sing, and play musical instruments. Even in his old age, James never lost his love of learning; he taught himself Italian, Spanish, and French and was in the act of learning German at the time of his death. James did not allow hardships in his life to hinder his spirit and always found time to call or write to his loved ones. He had a deep love of animals; with his dog or cat present, he never felt alone. James did love storytelling the most; he used his words to paint a picture, a picture as beautiful as any artist with a brush and canvas.
Like most people who have lived into their 70s, James had made many mistakes and felt many regrets. However, by the end of James' life, he truly believed that death is the truest recalibration of life and knew in his heart that all his children and close family would find peace or guidance in the lessons of his life and his death.
Finally, directly from James to his family, "Here is my favorite quote about life from Henry Thoreau, "When it is time to die, let us not discover we have never lived". In my last days, I will pray to God to send a strong encampment of angels to protect you and keep you safe. Always remember I loved you all heart and soul and always shall!!!"
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