James M. Rivers Obituary (1936

James M. Rivers was born in Bridgeport, CT on July 21, 1936. He was raised in Stratford, CT and attended Stratford High School where upon graduation, enlisted in the armed services and became a Paratrooper. Jim had a son, Michael Hearst who was born during this time in his life. Jim served his unit dutifully, completed his tour and eventually found himself working in Bridgeport at Carpenter Steel. During this period he met Billie Jean with whom he fathered 4 girls, Sherry, Denise, Dawn and Crystal. He enjoyed singing and music so the girls were all named after songs. James was never idle. His love of baseball resulted in his playing for over 40 years with the infamous Bridgeports "Dirty Dozen" slow pitch baseball team. As their pitcher, Jim (Old Man Rivers) was occasionally made to take a dive by a hard hit line drive. This especially occurred when they played their cross-town rivals the "The BT Express". (Were still mad at you Stan!) Jim loved all types of outdoor activities, exotic foods and Bridgeport. He enjoyed years of fishing at Pleasure Beach, digging clams at Seaside Park (until one nearly killed him!) eating snake, bear, alligator, quail and deer; and was an avid supporter of the Barnum Festival. He participated in the Wing Ding, had his "Bikes R Us" moped riders participate in the Great Street Parade and regularly attended Champions on Parade. Because of his work in the community, he was well known, well liked and well respected by the Police Dept., Probation, the Judges, staff and especially members of the community throughout the city of Bridgeport. Jim met and married Cherie and together raised his namesake, James Jr. They shared their Native American heritage and raised James in that manner. Mr. Rivers, as he was called by many neighborhood kids became focused on his counseling programs. He established a unique way of reaching the troubled youth in the city, he had a doll. His ventriloquist doll would tell everyone, "I aint no dummy"! Jims irreplaceable style made the difference in thousands of lives by leading, pushing and steering them away from drugs, violence and guns and giving them resources to change their circumstances. First Lady Nancy Reagan sent a personal note thanking him for his work. He received other honors and citations for working with both the adults and youth of Bridgeport through the Regional Narcotics Program where he spent over 20 years, eventually retiring in 2014. Jims suave demeanor and great smile caught the attention of Judy Saunders. They fell in love and their union resulted in their daughter Jade being born in 1986. Their loving family also included Melanie and Jason. During their marriage, they both enjoyed tag sales, jewelry making and clock making. After retirement they became avid cruisers, Disney World vacationers, annual picnic throwers. Jims illness became severe in the last 2 years. Although he would suffer with his breathing, his happiness came from his "mini-me" Baby Winter. Watching and caring for her daily was his absolute joy. Jim was predeceased by his mother, Meredyth Montara and leaves to mourn his passing his wife, Judy Rivers, his sisters, Sally Ann Carter, and Muriel Jean Salter; his son Michael Hearst, stepson Jason Deegan (Lori), daughters; Sherryl Brooks (Lloyd), Denise Wood (Daron), Dawn Lewis (William), Crystal Rivers. Daughter Jade Rivers, stepdaughter Melanie Deegan and son James Rivers Jr. He also leaves a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, close family, good friends and acquaintances we all acknowledge and love. SERVICES Visitation Wednesday, February 13, 2019 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Messiah Baptist Church 210 Congress St Bridgeport, CT 06604 Funeral Service Wednesday, February 13, 2019 10:00 AM Messiah Baptist Church 210 Congress St Bridgeport, CT 06604