James E. Rieben, age 70, of Swanton, was welcomed into heaven Thursday evening, October 8, 2020 by his wife Barbara who passed away just two weeks earlier. Jim was born in Bridgeton, NJ to the late Earl Rieben and Ruby (Lanham) Mingin on October 17, 1949.
Following in his parents’ footsteps he started working at Owens Illinois In Charlotte, MI right out of high school in the warehouse. Jim and Barb married in 1970 and had their only child, Tina Jo, in 1974. In 1977 his job with OI led him and his family to Upstate NY; where he worked the next 21 years.
In 1998 Jim and Barb relocated to Toledo, he finished out the remainder of his 44 years with the company. In his younger years you could find him either on a boat, water skiing or snow skiing. Jim loved NASCAR and was known for his one liner jokes. He loved to watch movies, TV and listening to music as loud as the surround sound would go.
Most of all Jim was dedicated to family and supporting his grandchildren. He cherished watching his grandchildren show their projects at the Fulton County Fair. Jim’s true paradise was the time he spent being a snowbird with Barb in Florida.
Left to cherish his memory is his daughter, Tina Jo (Alex) Tedrow of Wauseon; step-mother, Ann Rieben; grandchildren, Jolyssa M. (Garrett Cass) Tedrow, Ashlynn R. Tedrow and McCoy J. Tedrow; brothers, Paul Rieben, Kenny Rieben, Janet (Louie) Forte, Dave (Laura) Rieben; along with many dear friends.
In addition to his parents and wife Barbara, Jim was preceded in death by his brothers, Earl Donald Rieben as a toddler & Arthur Rieben.
Friends and family will be received from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM on Saturday, October 17, 2020 at Barnes Funeral Chapel, 5825 St Hwy 109 in Delta; where a memorial service honoring Jim’s life will begin at 11:00 AM. Inurnment for both Barb and Jim will follow at Zion Cemetery in Wauseon. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, those attending are asked to follow CDC guidelines by wearing a facial mask and observe six-foot distancing when possible. Pastor Maryann Reimund will be officiating.
Online condolences may be sent to the family through our website at www.barnesfuneralchapel.com.