Archie James Riikola

Archie James Riikola, age 85 of Oak Ridge, TN, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on August 13, 2025. Archie was born in Glasgow, Montana on June 4, 1940 to Archie W. and Katherine Riikola. His family moved to Oak Ridge in 1943 as part of the Manhattan Project. He attended Saint Mary’s School, Oak Ridge High School, and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He was also a proud veteran of the United States Air Force.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Archie and Katherine Riikola; his sister, Mary Catherine Rainwater; his brother, Thomas Riikola; and his former wife, Jacqueline Broome.

He is survived by his daughter, Margo Davis (husband Bob Davis); grandchildren, Trevor (wife Savanna), Tristan (husband Jaxon, son Rhett), and Tyler;

Son, Rick Riikola (wife Jacelyn); grandchildren, Reece (wife Destinee, son Koa), Lindsey, Ashlyn, and Ethan; & Son, Ronald Riikola. He is also survived by his fiancée, Zella Schultz; brother, Dr. Robert Riikola; brother-in-law, George Rainwater; and his best friend, Robert Carmack; and many more who dearly loved him.

Though born Archie, to all who knew him he was simply “Jim.”

Jim worked at Y-12/ORNL for over 30 years and was fortunate to retire at age 55. He then devoted much of his time to his greatest passions—family, the outdoors, hunting, and fishing. His legacy is not only in the stories he told or the work he accomplished, but in the love he poured into his family and friends. His memory will live on in every hunting and fishing story retold, every family gathering filled with laughter, and every quiet moment when his presence is deeply missed.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Oak Ridge, TN on Saturday, August 30th at 11:00 a.m. A receiving of friends will begin at 10:00 a.m in the church.