James Dewey Riggs
February 7, 1947 - September 18, 2026
James Dewey Riggs, affectionately known throughout his life as Jimmy or J.D., passed away on Friday, September 18, 2026, in Sorrento, Florida, at the age of 79. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, law enforcement officer, community leader, golfer, and friend, Jimmy lived a life defined by service, friendship, laughter, and an unwavering love for his family.
Born on February 7, 1947, in Beckley, West Virginia, Jimmy was the son of the late James I. Riggs and Rosa L. Riggs. He later made Delaware his home, where he built a distinguished career, raised his family, and established friendships that would last a lifetime.
Jimmy graduated from William Penn High School with the Class of 1965, where he was well known on the wrestling mats and football field. Following high school, Jimmy proudly served in the United States Army. At the age of 21, he entered the New Castle County Police Academy and soon began what would become a remarkable career with the New Castle County Police.
During his 20 years of service, Jimmy built a reputation as a dedicated police officer and experienced many memorable moments throughout his career. Among his notable cases was his involvement in a major 1981 marijuana seizure valued at more than $900,000 at the time. Jimmy retired from the New Castle County Police in 1989, but retirement did little to slow his commitment to his community.
Following his law enforcement career, Jimmy became a partner at Brantwood Golf Club, where he combined his love of golf with his passion for helping others. He became known for hosting charitable golf outings and supporting organizations and causes throughout the community.
Jimmy later served as Director of the Police Athletic League at Garfield Park, continuing his commitment to public service and making a difference in the lives of young people and families. He eventually returned to one of his greatest passions—the golf course—serving as General Manager of Frog Hollow Golf Club.
After years of service and work in Delaware, Jimmy decided it was finally time to retire and move to Florida. There, he met his wife, Grace, and together they spent the last five years filling their lives with adventures, memories, laughter, and a life well lived. Even in retirement, Jimmy could not stay away from the golf course or his community for long. He continued doing what he loved while working at RedTail Golf Club and remained active in serving those around him.
Jimmy’s dedication to service extended far beyond his professional career. He was a lifelong member and past president of the Delaware Police Chiefs Foundation, a member of the Delaware State Fraternal Order of Police, a 50-year member of St. John’s Lodge, a 32nd Degree Mason and Shriner, and a life member of Stahl Post #30 American Legion.
For all of Jimmy’s professional accomplishments and community involvement, the roles he cherished most were those within his family.
Jimmy leaves behind his wife, Grace, of Sorrento, Florida; his sister, Barbara Riggs; his son, Michael Riggs, and his wife, Sarah; his daughters, Jamie Senn and her husband, Brad, and Devon Di Bernardo and her husband, Connor; and stepdaughter Lanelle Hulstedt and her husband, Rob. He was the proud grandfather of nine grandchildren: Noah, Asa, Ayla, Alexis (John), Bradley, Parker, Memphis, Teagan, and Taylor. He also leaves behind several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, along with countless friends whose lives were made better simply by knowing him.
Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents, James and Rosa Riggs; his brother, Thomas “Tommy” Riggs; and his sister, Brenda Moore.
When Jimmy wasn’t serving his community or spending time on a golf course, you could often find him watching his beloved New York Yankees, relaxing in his recliner with his faithful dog Bailey nearby, enjoying a good cup of black coffee, or providing endless encouragement and support to his children and grandchildren.
Those who knew Jimmy knew there was rarely a dull moment when he was around. He was a storyteller who always seemed to have another story to tell. He was quick to make a friend, always ready with a joke, rarely forgot a name, and was forever full of surprises. Whether someone knew him for decades or had just met him, Jimmy had a way of making an impression.
Above all else, Jimmy loved his family. He celebrated their accomplishments, supported them through life’s challenges, and took tremendous pride in his children and grandchildren. His stories, humor, friendship, generosity, and larger-than-life personality created memories that will continue to be shared for generations.
Jimmy made an everlasting mark on the lives of those fortunate enough to know him, and he will be immensely missed by all who loved him.
Family and friends are invited to gather on Friday, October 2, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the Chase Center on the Riverfront, 815 Justison Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19801, where Jimmy’s life will be remembered, his stories will be told, and condolences and memories can be shared with his family and friends.
Burial services will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Gracelawn Memorial Park, 2220 North DuPont Highway, New Castle, Delaware 19720.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that memorial donations be made in Jimmy’s honor to the Delaware Police Chiefs Foundation, 1783 Friends Way, Camden, Delaware, or to the Delaware Fraternal Order of Police Foundation, c/o Jon Yard, P.O. Box 981, Newark, Delaware 19714.
Jimmy spent his life serving others, making friends, telling stories, playing golf, loving his family, and finding reasons to laugh along the way. While his presence will be deeply missed, the stories—and there are certainly many—will continue to be told.
Wayne Phillips
RIP Jimmy, we were 50 years together this year in Consistory, many years in police work.you, me, Wayne Merritt and Alby Senior were the original 4 when the County took over Middletown policing in 1974. We all miss you my friend.
Til we meet again.
Bev Davis Coble
My dear extremely helpful, supportive friend and classmate in Willian Penn ‘65
Sharon A. Brown
Jimmy, til we meet again, I love and miss you. So blessed to have know you. Thank you, for your passion, service, and friendship. You are missed dearly.
Carol Golden
So sorry for your families loss. Jimmy will always be remembered as one of the good guys. He had a big heart ❤️ for those in need. RIP my friend
Bill Wilson
Jim: We had a great time growing up together and the stories and jokes were endless. you were blessed by a loving family
and what more could we ask for. Miss you buddy as we all do and Grace you gave him true happiness.
Tim Qualls
So sorry to hear this, like many l have my stories of my dear friend. Prayers for the family and all Jimmy’s friends, RIP
Dee Hatsady
I am so sorry for your loss of your awesome father . We met Jimmy when we opened restaurant Broken Spoons in Heathrow, fl . He became our regular & become our friend & big brother to our family..Jimmy always loved & proud of his children.. we keep in touch each other & I plan to go meet up for dinner in couple , but he gone now.. Please accept my condolences & sympathies to you and your family.. RIP my friend & brother 🙏
Ed DiSabatino
Had the pleasure working with Jim at NCCPD, great guy. My sincere condolences to his family
Chris Lewis
We held all of our golf tournaments for Local 42 at Brantwood golf course, at least most of the ones that I can remember and the ones that I was in charge of we always went with Jimmy‘s golf course, a true man’s man always accommodating always had a smile for me. Rest in peace Jimmy.
Dave & Diana Hearn
God bless Jimmy. I can still remember this little 8 yr old tow head running around chasing his sister around the house in Manor Park. He was always a story teller!
We will all miss his caring. Love dear friend!🙏🙏
Buzz Warner
You were a true friend and I’ll miss ya.
Carey LH Parsons
I will miss you dearly “Uncle” Jimmy. You have been a part of my life since my parents knew I was coming. Growing up, I never knew where I would run into you and that continued into adulthood. I will always remember guessing if it was you, “Uncle” Wayne, Ozzy or Charlie when a patrol car pulled into the driveway. I enjoyed all our talks and your story sharing. I will miss your check in messages on the family and my health. Heaven gained a great one! Rest in Peace, until we meet again.
Christine S Kemp
On behalf of the men and women of the Delaware Fraternal Order of Police we extended our love and sincere condolences. Brother Riggs was the very best example of what heartfelt public service looks like. He was a servant leader without a doubt and a true legend in our profession and our organization. Your family is lifted in prayer and will always be a part of our fraternal family.
Rest in Peace Brother.
Delaware FOP State Lodge
Cheryl Doughten
Rip Jimmy 💔Paul and I had the best times at Brantwood Golf course . We can’t forget Paula Kennedy and Steve . You will meet them again . Prayers for your Family 💔🙏
Ray Mutter
Jimmy was a good friend through our years at Penn! He was always a joy to be around and he had a special smile when saw you coming down the hallway! I felt privileged to count him as a friend!
Titus 1-2 In Hope of Eternal life, which God that cannot lie, promised before the world began!
Rest in Peace my friend!
Michael Terranova
Jimmy was a couple of years older than me but when we connected in Detective we worked many great cases. We had many laughs and great times together. This continue when I join the Delaware Police Cheifs foundation. He was always a great mentor and friend to my entire family. I will surely me him immensely!!!
Shellie Carpenter
We made something Beautiful together, our daughter Devon! Memories last a lifetime ❤️
Jennifer Boes
Dear Jamie and Family,
I’m so sorry for the loss of your father, Jimmy. Jamie – my heart goes out to you and your family. Please know that I’m keeping you all in my thoughts.
With deepest sympathy,
Jen
James Elliott Fox
Jimmy, you were special my friend. So many memories of you, with you, with most all involving laughter and great times. Never forget you my man. To the Riggs family, especially Jamie and Mike, my deepest condolences! Continue with all the great memories you have of your Dad. He was definitely one of a kind and a man to be proud of! Best wishes to all.
Jim Fox
Stanley Green
To the immediate family I express my deepest condolences for the loss of your loved one. I know I can write this with true conviction knowing well others would share the same sentiment and that is Jimmy was a man’s man! Aside from that statement he had a passion for life and his infectious smile and strong personality was the throbbing part of his personality. His presence at golf tournaments, FOP events, Wounded Warriors fund raising etc. will truly be missed.
RIP fraternal brother.
Stan (Ret. WPD).