James "Jim" Thomas Riegel

Jim was born in Englewood, CO on June 27th, 1951 to Jack and Yvonne Riegel. Jim’s tenacious personality was evident early- his mom often described his antics, like filling the neighbors gas tank up with the garden hose, or escaping a nap at the age of 3 and making his way over to the local fire department, only for his mom to find him hanging from the firemen’s coat hooks. The family lived in constant fear of Jim pantsing them, or holding them down and tickling to the point of bruises and tears; much to Jim’s joy.

Jim enlisted in the army at the age of 17, allowed only by his father signing over his permission. He became a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division then transferred to the 173rd Airborne Battalion where he deployed to Viet Nam. His medals include the Air Medal, the Commendation Medal, the Combat Infantry Badge, the Parachute Badge and the Expert Marksmanship Badge. He quickly rose through the ranks, and was promoted to corporal although his anarchist personality got him demoted not once, but twice. Once, for prioritizing a weekend with an “experienced older woman” over reporting back to base, and again for shooting M-16 blanks from a truck while unknowingly passing an off duty Colonel. Both, he always said, were well worth it.

Jim married Debby Clapper on *******. He often described his wife as the only person tougher than him. And as we all know, she must’ve been to not only put up with his wild antics, but to also bless him with his beloved only son Drew.

Drew often described his dad’s parenting style as “Keep up or Die”; which if you know the Riegels; is the best way to thrive in their family. Jim was a devoted father, and incorporated Drew in many of his hobbies, and taught him many skills. From carpentry and mechanics, to imparting him with survival skills and an endless love of being outdoors. The relationship and bond that they shared was palpable to anyone who met them. This was Jim’s most treasured relationship.

Jim enjoyed extreme hobbies throughout his life- including skydiving, back country skiing, mountain biking and white water kayaking. Jim was fortunate enough to be selected for a month long white water rafting trip through the Grand Canyon twice. He often described these trips as one of the most grounding and centering experiences of his life.

Jim was also blessed with two grandsons, Everest Oz and Zeppelin James, who he loved dearly. Jim was ecstatic to be a grandfather, watching Everest much of his first year of life. He was able to impart many aspects of his personality onto his grandsons. Both are fearless daredevils, but very lovable, much like “Grandpa Jim.”

He was an integral part of the Meeker community for more than 40 years. He could be found building homes, reading to people at the Wahlbridge wing, setting up and setting off fireworks for the 4th of July, skiing down avalanche shoots in the National wilderness with his loyal skiing buddies, Roy and Tim, or simply helping someone. He enjoyed weekends with his beloved girlfriend Cathy, with whom he shared an unbreakable bond.

He is preceded in death by both of his parents, and his beloved wife. He is survived by his three siblings, Michelle, Rob and Beth; as well as his son and grandsons.

Jim Riegel was a one of a kind human, and was loved and cherished by all those who knew him. While his parting leaves us with a significant void; his love, life and lessons will continue for generations. Always the adventurer, he is undoubtedly enjoying his next adventure with the passion and persistence that he brought to his life, and all those around him.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Highland Cemetery in Meeker with military honors by the Meeker VFW Post 5843.