Journey of Life

On May 8, 2022, our beloved James Robert Rivers, Sr. transitioned to eternal rest peacefully surrounded by his family at home in Baltimore, Maryland. James fondly known to family as “Moosie”, was born in Petersburg, Virginia and was the third eldest son of the late Cooper Jefferson Rivers and Annie Laura Rivers. James was preceded in death by his sister, Viola R. Young and brothers, Archie L. “Tony” Rivers and Gary C. Rivers.

James accepted the Lord at an early age and attended Sharon Baptist Church in Dinwiddie, Virginia. He was educated in the Dinwiddie County public school system and graduated from Southside High School, Class of 1959. James relocated to Baltimore, Maryland just two days after graduating from high school.

James met the love of his life – Annie J. McLean. They were married in 1968; and from that union they had five children.

James began his career in 1960 at St. Joe Paper Company. Later, in 1964, James became employed at American Sugar Refinery (Domino Sugar) as a machine operator for 39 years until his retirement in 2003.

James was known for his many talents and skills. He was a mechanic, an electrician, a plumber and a carpenter. James could fix just about anything. He was also an avid fisherman and enjoyed fishing with his son, Robert Jr. He was an active member in the Hilltop Community Association and always willing to lend a helping hand. James had a quiet demeanor about him but could engage anyone he met into a lively conversation.  To know “Mr. James” was to love him.

James was a loving and devoted husband to his wife. His devotion to caring and making sure that his beloved Annie was cared for, was undying, even throughout his final days. This devotion to his wife was his life’s priority and it was this devotion that was the foundation of James and Annie’s home.

James leaves to cherish his memory: his wife of over 50 years, Annie J. Rivers; children, Warnest C. Rivers, James R. Rivers, Jr., Wendell Rivers (Cindy), Laura Rivers Grant (Donald), and Andre Rivers (Lakita); brother Raymond J. Rivers of Petersburg, Virginia; sister, Annie Rivers Dailey of Petersburg, Virginia; aunt, Anna Rivers Ridley; sisters-in-law, Pearl Dale, Ida Dow and Brenda Hicks; brother-in-law, Hubert McLean, Jr.;12 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren; a special cousin Josephine Richardson; special friends, Cliff Maynor, Ed White and James Kurtis; childhood friend, Howard Blackwell; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Celebration of Life Services for Mr. James Robert Rivers, Sr. will be held on Tuesday, May 24, 2022 – wake at 11:30am followed by funeral service at 12:00pm at the Wylie Funeral Home Chapel, 9200 Liberty Road, Randallstown, Maryland, 21133.

Obituary courtesy of the J.L. Dodson and Sons Funeral Establishment, 25824 Greensville Avenue, Petersburg, Virginia,Rev. Jeffrey L. Dodson, Sr. Funeral Director. (804) 733-5959.