James Royce Rister

James Royce (Jim) Rister, USAF(RET) Kathleen, GA-James Royce Rister, 82, joined his Heavenly Father on Saturday, September 23, 2017, leaving this earth peacefully. Jim was born on June 21, 1935 in Midland City, FL the 8th child of the late Judge and Emma Rister. He joined the United States Air Force, making it a 20 year career. He married the love of his life Sandra, and they lived in many places including Germany while serving in the Air Force and raising their family. Upon retirement, Jim worked for Bluebird Bus Co. and then as a civil servant at RAFB, where he retired as well. Jim loved raising goats and chickens, tending his garden, and sharing his abundant produce with others. He was an avid storyteller, a devoted grandparent, and he made friends with strangers everywhere. Jim was a humble man and he practiced the “Golden Rule.” Memories of Jim will be cherished by a loving and grateful family including his wife of 60 years Sandra Rister of Kathleen; daughters Karen Bryant(Rickey) of Macon and Janice Davis of Ft. Valley; 3 grandchildren: Joshua Bryant of Macon, Cassandra Spivey of Kathleen, and Tyler Davis of Warner Robins; step-grandchildren Chris Bryant(Michelle) of Macon and Chad Bryant(Christina)of Sharpsburg; step-great-grandchildren Tucker Bryant, Tanner Bryant, Lorelei Bryant and Genevieve Bryant; brother Gene Rister of Marianna, FL; many nieces, nephews, and friends; and his beloved dachshund Jazmine. Jim was preceded in death by brothers Moody Rister, Carl Rister, Curtis Rister, Junior Rister, Billy Rister, and sisters Eloise Wright and Francis Carlson. Visitation will be on Wednesday, September 27, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Watson-Hunt Funeral Home in Perry. Funeral services will be on Thursday, September 28, at 10:00 a.m. at Watson-Hunt Funeral Home with Pastor Phil Bryant officiating. Interment with full military honors will follow at Andersonville National Cemetery at 12 Noon. Flowers will be accepted; however, donations may be made in lieu of flowers to Sandy Valley Baptist Church at 1224 S Houston Lake Road, Warner Robins, GA 31088. Watson-Hunt Funeral Home in Perry has been entrusted with the arrangements.

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James Royce Rister

June 21, 1935 - September 23, 2017