James Rish

James Buford Rish passed on to the next dimension of life, in eager anticipation of being re-united with his precious daughter who preceded him in 2002.  Jim was 73 years old.

A lifelong resident of Gulfport, Jim attended Gulfport High School before joining the United States Army in January 1968.  A decorated combat veteran, he served two tours of duty in Vietnam. He was awarded the Bronze Start Medal, the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, and the Expert Marksmanship.

Following his military service, earned an associate degree in law enforcement in 1981. He then attended the University of Southern Mississippi (Gulf Park Campus) and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice, (1986).  While attending college on the G.I. Bill, Jim worked as a deputy sheriff, Harrison County Sheriff’s Department, primarily as a jailer at the old Harrison County jail in downtown Gulfport.  Following his career in the public sector law enforcement, he began a career in private sector contract security. Jim managed the Southern District office for Day Detectives, Inc. for 19 years.  During his 26 years managing contract security operations, Jim was also a certified N.R.A. firearms instructor and competed in firearms competitions throughout the southeastern U.S., and in the N.R.A. Police Pistol Competition national championship event in Des Moines, Iowa in 1983 and 1985.

Jim enjoyed fishing, boating, and tennis.  Jim was preceded in death by his daughter, Katrina S. Rish; his father, Marion Garnsey Rish; his mother, Vivian (Womack) Rish; a brother, John A. Rish; and a sister, Cheryl Lynn Rish Robinson.

He is survived by a granddaughter, Vivian Azriel Rish; two sisters, Teresa (Tom) Rish Wright, and Marcella Nell Rish LeBlanc; a brother, Earl Sidney (Mary) Rish; and a great-granddaughter, Emmory Shirine Swanson.

Visitation will be on Friday, August 12, 2022, from 5 – 7 pm at the Riemann Family Funeral Home, 11280 Three Rivers Road, Gulfport.  The funeral Service will be at 11 am Saturday in the funeral home chapel. Interment will be in Gulf Pines Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Wounded Warriors Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate