James Paul Rigsby

James Paul Rigsby, of Tulsa, Oklahoma passed away on Thursday, November 7, 2019, after reaching the age of 85 years old. After years of failing health, he died peacefully at Clarehouse with his beloved wife Betty and children by his side.

Paul was born on November 28, 1933, in Tulsa, Oklahoma to Ollie and Jessie Rigsby. As a young man he worked hard riding a bicycle for Western Union. He saved up his money to purchase a Harley-Davidson motorcycle at age 17. After graduating from Central High school, he then went to Spartan School of Aeronautics to become a pilot only to later change his major to mechanics to be able to be closer to family and his church. While attending Spartan he started work at American Airlines as a parking attendant.

In 1955, he met the love of his life, Betty Duvall. They courted for almost 2 years while Paul served in the Army in Virginia as a helicopter mechanic. They wrote to each other every day when he eventually asked her to marry him when he came home on leave. They were married at Bruner Assembly of God, July 27, 1957. They lived together almost inseparable for over 62 years.

They first lived in Hampton, Virginia in a small garage apartment where they gave birth to their first son James Leslie on May 3, 1958. After finishing his time in the service, Paul returned to American Airlines where he was transferred California while Betty stayed in Tulsa until giving birth to their second son Paul Michael who was born April 25, 1959.She then joined Paul in California where they met their life long best friends Donn and Anne Quick.

After returning to Tulsa in 1960 they purchased their home on Archer where they had their third son Stephen Wayne on October 15, 1962, and finally their daughter Andrea Kaye on March 3, 1964. Their many family vacations included traveling the US in his beloved red Ford truck with a tiny camper on top to the Grand Canyon, Yellow Stone, and many local campgrounds. They also traveled to Germany and Hawaii.

He and Betty raised their family at Home Gardens Assembly of God where he was a deacon of the church. As the congregation continued to grow, they built a new home called Calvary Temple on West Edison where he was very involved in the planning and building of the church. He loved God and was passionate about the church, continuously serving and volunteering any time the doors where open.

He was a strong patriarch of his family, a good friend to all; a man who would give his shirt for a friend.

He was a good father who always took care of his children and did the best he could to teach and guide them, a loving grandfather and “great-grand” father to many.

Paul loved to travel and was avid hunter and fishermen. His many hunting travels included Alaska, New Zealand, Africa, Canada, Australia and The Holy Land.He held the title of Master Bowhunter within the New Zealand bowhunting society and was one the few at the time to gain that title. After retiring from American in 1996 he took up cycling and would ride 50-100 miles a week, and even participated in Oklahoma Freewheel many times. Among his many hobbies his favorite was broadhead collecting and at one point he owned the largest collection in the US. He also enjoyed going to Drillers games with his sons, watching Thunder basketball and puzzling with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A man who never cared much about himself and who even in his final days wanted to make sure his beloved wife Betty was taken care of.

Paul was a strong, proud and good man. He is loved and will be missed by many.

He is preceded in death by parents, Jessie and Ollie Rigsby; children; and sister, Pauline O’Dell.

He is survived by loving wife, Betty Rigsby; children, Jim (Angie) Rigsby, Mike (Rita) Rigsby, Stephen (Ela) Rigsby, and Andrea Pack; grandchildren, Jonathan (Renana), Lauren, Christopher, Hali (Matthew), Jessica, Julia, Kristen, Jennifer, Caleb (Mariah), Elliot, and Sarah; 9 great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews and other beloved friends and relatives.

Viewing and Visitation will be held from 2pm - 4pm on Sunday, November 10, 2019 at Schaudt’s Tulsa Funeral Service (5757 S. Memorial Dr.).

Funeral Service will be 10am Monday, November 11, 2019 at Calvary Temple Assembly of God Church. Interment with military honors will follow at Woodland Memorial Park in Sand Springs.

Arrangements are entrusted to Schaudt Funeral Service. Family and friends may send memories and condolences to the family online at www.schaudtfuneralservice.com