It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of James Joseph Riffel on Thursday, October 23rd, 2025, at the age of 80 years. He passed away peacefully with his family by his side at the Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon at 11:35 am.  

James (Jamesy) (Jim) was born on April 22nd, 1945, in Regina SK and was the 3rd child of 10 to John & Regina Riffel. 

He was predeceased by his mother Regina; father John; brother Gerard; and sisters Margaret (Margie); Mary-Lou and Virginia (Ginny); father-in-law Jimmy Duncan and mother-in-law Violet. 

He is survived by his loving wife Lena; children Diana Bird; Simon Riffel; Regina Riffel (David Goreham); Jessica Riffel (Chris Sinclair); Sarah Detillieux (Wes Detillieux) and Ben Riffel (Tasha Paulson); step son James (Choc); granddaughters Meika, Shianna, Joanna, Morgan, Violet, Gabrielle, Tessa and grandsons Jacob, Gerard, Levi, Logan, Cohen, Hayden, Duncan and Jackson and great grandson Nash; brothers Anthony, Tom (Linda), Philip; sisters Susan and Lorna; brothers-in-law Lionel (Janet), Clifford (Lisa), James (Linda); sisters-in-law Doris, Velma (Robert), & Stella (Laz) as well as numerous nieces and nephews. 

He was a teacher both by profession and by heart. He enjoyed travelling in his younger years as well as spending time at the family cottage in Fort Qu’Appelle.    

He enjoyed watching sports (he would have loved watching the Blue Jays in the world series) long conversations, visiting with family and friends, reading, playing sudoku, feeding the birds, his weekly pool games with friends and his annual fishing trip with a friend. He also enjoyed spending time in his yard and on his deck and tending to his Rhubarb patch and flower bed  

He was a pillar of strength to his family and will be greatly missed by so many. 

A private service for family and close friends will be held at a later date. 

Arrangements entrusted to Mackenzie Chapel : Mark & Perdo Gyoerick, Jordyn Jacobson, Mel & Troy Curle

• Date : 2025-10-27
• Location : Christopher Lake, SK