James Rigney Obituary

I just want to offer my condolences to the Rigney Familiy at this difficult time. I have many fond memories of reading his novels and I plan to pass them on to my children. I was surprised to learn that James was a fellow Masonic Brother and I wish I could have met him. May eternal light shine upon him.

I offer my sincere thanks to the many people who have extended their heart-felt condolences. These kind expressions have been a comfort to our entire family.

To all who have written to this guest book, and who will write to it: Thank you for your very kind notes. Sincerely, Harriet Rigney

I had the pleasure of meeting RJ at one of his book signings here in Charleston. What a great author. I knew Reynolds from Baptist College and never made the connection until now.
RJ you will be missed from this World.May your journey to the next be peaceful.
From another series: "I grieve with thee." Farewell and Godspeed.

To
a family who has lost a Husband, a Father, a Brother, and a Son, I want
to offer my condolences and my thanks, for sharing him with us for
these few years; we are all better people for having known him (through
his writings).
RJ, you touched so many lives in so many ways, like an eternal ripple
on a shore-less lake, that you will live on both in our hearts, and in
the multitude of books you will have inspired others to write. The
world (or at least this incarnation of it) has lost, IMHO, the greatest
story teller since Tolkien.
My God grant you and your family Peace.

My deepest sympathies and regrets go out to Mr. Rigney's family. With the help of my wife, Mr. Rigney opened my eyes to a new genre of books. My line of work often shows the more tragic side of life. Thanks to his books, I am able to escape for hours at a time. His presence in this world will be greatly missed.

I wanted to express my deepest condolences to Mr. Rigney's family. I am truly sorry for your loss.

I have been a fan of Mr. Rigney's books for many years. One of my best friends gave me a copy of The Eye of the World 8 years ago and after the first chapter Robert Jordan became my favorite author.

I never had the honor of meeting Mr. Rigney but I will always cherish his books. Thank you Mr. Rigney for the beautiful stories you weaved. You touched my life and I can never thank you enough.

I am so sorry for your loss. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you now and in the difficult days ahead.

You are an inspiration to me. Thank you for sharing your imagination with the world.

I did not have the pleasure of meeting this great man but I will always remember the beauty he brought to this world through his writing. My condolences to all of Mr Rigney's friends and family in such a sad time. Please be proud of the wonder and enjoyment he brought to thousands and will continue to for many years to come.

My friend introduced me to The Eye of The World last summer, and as soon as I read it, I was hooked. I spent all of that summer reading The Wheel of Time, and my life was changed. "Robert Jordan" is a fantasy genius and he will be missed so much. I miss him already and I have so much sympathy for his family and friends.

I was just a lad of 14 yrs when my sister introduced me to The Eye of the World in 1989. I was an avid reader of fantasy by then, but the world that James drew me into really knocked my socks off and for the next 17 years I waited patiently (ok, maybe not so patiently) for each successive volume. I always wondered who this gentleman was who was captivating me so and providing me with so many hours of thrilling enjoyment. When I became a veteran myself years later I had even more respect for Mr. Rigney, his war record, and his achievements afterwards in the world of literature. I was pleased to have a chance to meet him and his lovely wife Harriet at a book signing in CT a couple years ago when Knife of Dreams had been released. True to form, he was all class with maybe a hint of mischievous twinkle in the eyes. I always suspected that James included a bit of himself in his 3 protagonists: A little Rand, a little Mat, and a little Perrin. I believe I saw it for myself that evening. My deepest sympathies to you Harriet in this difficult time. As for James, Godspeed on your new journey. Where you are going I am sure there will be ample water and shade.

Warm Regards, -Josh

I was shocked to hear this news. I am a UK author who stayed with Harriet and Jim on several ocacsions when I visited Charleston - usually to work with children on writing workshops with the Spoleto USA Festival Community Arts programme. Jim was kind and generous and a real larger than life character. The success of Wheel of Time was a true tour-de-force. Sadly we have been out of touch for some years as I have not been back to South Carolina for a while - but I was always hoping to meet up again.

I remember some years ago Jim and Harriet visited and stayed with me in Cambridge and I took them to an Elizabethan Feast at Kings College as part of the Cambridge Festival celebrations. Harriet and Jim ended up dancing on the dining table singing Land of Hope and Glory after a good many glasses of excellent wine had been put away at the end of the evening. God bless Jim, a sad day for me. Take care Harriet and Will.

Imagine a gentle soul of a wife waking you at 11pm to say "I'm sorry, honey, Robert Jordan passed today." This is the same Mrs. Lynn Galloway who lost her own mother just weeks ago. She put aside her own loss to share this sad news with me. Alas, "The Dragon" is truly reborn! He found the courage to fight the good fight.. and inspired millions along the way. We will miss you always Mr. Rigney - my favorite author of all time! God Speed.

My deepest condolences to the family and many friends of this extraordinary man.

I began reading The Wheel of Time just after the first volume was published in 1990, and the installments of the series have been like mileposts along the road of my life ever since. Because of my interest in WoT, I became active in fandom for the first time ever (couldn't see the point, previously, but there was just so MUCH to discuss in these books!) And because of my involvement in fandom, I met the man who would become my husband. Such a gift I received, when first I picked up The Eye of the World!

Thank you, Mr. Rigney. Thank you for your talent and your time, for your creativity and passion and hard work. Thank you for all the signposts you've left along the road of my life. Your journey has ended, but mine goes on and I shall carry along with me a memory of Light... a memory of you.

Ariella Sedai

As a long time British reader of W.O.T please accept my condolences for your sad loss.
A great man who will be sadly missed by all his fans in the UK.

B Mallinder.

Today I was reading the Further Chronicles of Conan, the second omnibus of Robert Jordan contributions to the Conan legacy. Later, while out running errands, I mentioned to my husband that I wanted to stop by a bookstore to see if I could find the Conan Chronicles (the first omnibus). There in the middle of WalMart, my husband gave me the news so casually that I almost fainted. My favorite author, the creator of the greatest fantasy saga since LotR, had succumed to the illness that he had been fighting for about a year.
May the Wheel of Time turn, for when next is blown the Horn of Valere one of the heroes who will emerge will be James Oliver Rigney Jr., known to fantasy fans everywhere as Robert Jordan.

I am so very sad that Jim has left us. I have many fond memories of visiting Jim, Poppo, and Will many years ago in Charleston. Such a great wit, intellect, imagination, and compassion. Jim was his own man. It was wonderful to see him become so successful with his writing. I will be among the many that will miss his presence among us.
May God be with Harriet (Poppo), Will, Jim’s relatives, and all who came to know him directly or through his wonderful novels.

I am so very sad that Jim has left us. I have many fond memories of visiting Jim, Poppo, and Will many years ago in Charleston. Such a great wit, intellect, imagination, and compassion. Jim was his own man. It was wonderful to see him become so successful with his writing. I will be among the many that will miss his presence among us.
May God be with Harriet (Poppo), Will, Jim’s other relatives, and all who came to know James Rigney directly or through his wonderful novels.

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Thank you for all the wonderful things you have done for us all.

This was sad to hear of James' death. My memories of James are during high school. Two come to mind the most. The first is of him walking down the halls during class changes and reading a book at the same time and bumping into students left and right. Of course, he was a prolific reader. The other memory is of James asking questions in class. His vocabulary was so far above us that we would often turn to him and tell him to quit asking questions...to us he was annoying. Little did we know that this "Bookworm" and "School Nerd" would become the class go-zillionaire. My brother called me a few years ago to tell me that The Citadel was awarding him an honorary doctorate. This was the first I had heard of his success as a science fiction writer. As a high school principal, this gave me a great story to tell our students--whenever I had the chance--the value and power of reading. To share his story of success that was based on a love and passion for reading was truly a great example to share with high school students. I did this often in many English classes that I would visit. More than once I would come upon a student in the cafeteria or after school reading one of Robert Jordan's books. I never missed the opportunity to tell them who the real Robert Jordan was, how he became a writer, and where he lived. Our students and teachers were always amazed at this story. You made your mark James! May God Bless you with peaceful rest.

I always enjoyed Mr. Rigney shopping in my bookstore, he was a very intriguing and inspiring man. May God strengthen you during this difficult time.

A scholar once said: " Mastery of the written language grants immortality". You have touched so many lives, you shall never be forgotten.

You are among the fond memories of my high school days. May you rest in peace Bullwinkle.

St Johns HS '68

May God be with you all in this time of sorrow. I will be praying for you all.

Thank you for being such a great man in these times of trouble thru-out the world. You gave us all something to hold on to that was good !

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.