James Michael Rigsby

8/23/1954-07/20/2025

The Cincinnati Reds and Big Blue Nation lost their biggest fan on July 20, 2025. James Michael “Mike” Rigsby passed away peacefully at Baptist Health Hardin with his family by his side while listening to the Reds game following a long battle with Huntington’s Disease.

Mike was born in Paintsville, Kentucky on August 23, 1954. He was the son of LeFrance and
Ruth Rigsby. He attended Paintsville High School and loved playing football, basketball, and baseball. Following his high school education, Mike played American Legion Baseball and attended the University of Kentucky. He moved to Charleston, West Virginia in 1989.

Mike worked at AT&T for 30 years, initially as the first male switchboard operator, then as a lineman, and finally retiring as a radio tower service technician. Mike found joy in sports, he was a lifelong University of Kentucky, Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Reds fan. His favorite moments were spent watching the Reds play in person, on television, or listening to Marty and Joe on the radio. Mike was a Parrot Head, having attended Jimmy Buffet concerts multiple times. He also loved spending time with his family, particularly while coaching little league games.

Mike is survived by Donna, his wife of 33 years, three children, Carrie Rigsby, Matthew Rigsby, and Madison (Eric) Patton, one grandchild Benjamin Michael Patton, and sister Leneda Fuller.

He is preceded in death by his parents Ruth and LeFrance Rigsby, brother Billy Rigsby, and
beloved pets Bronson and Noel.

There will be no service, in lieu of flowers please donate to the Reds Community Fund or
Kanawha-Charleston Humane Society.