ATHENS- James Leo Riestenberg, D.D.S., 76, of Athens passed away peacefully, June 25, 2024 at his home surrounded by the three women he loved most, his wife Kathleen Ann Riestenberg and his two daughters, Elizabeth Clare Welsh and Molly Kathleen Brumfield. Jim was a supportive husband, father and a great friend to many. Born Sept. 22, 1947 in Cincinnati, he was the son of the late Robert Leo Riestenberg and Bette Jane Cahill Riestenberg.
A proud 1965 graduate of Lima Central Catholic High School, he was also a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and Ohio State College of Dentistry. He began his 40 year dental practice in Athens in 1973 with Athens Dental Arts. He was a member of the American and Ohio Dental Associations, Athens Rotary Club, Symposiarchs, Athens Country Club, Trustee’s Academy at Ohio University and Christ the King Catholic Church. He was a former board member of Athens Co. Children’s Service and the Athens County Club. He was a board member of O’Bleness Memorial Hospital and was instrumental and serving as president of the board in the transfer of the hospital to the OhioHealth administration. Jim enjoyed athletics and was an avid golfer, skier and runner. He also was a girl’s youth athletics coach and supporter of Athens High School and Ohio University Athletics.
In addition to his wife and daughters Jim is survived by two sons in law, Scott C. Welsh and Paul D. Brumfield; four grandchildren, Laurel C (Daniel) Davis, Henry Welsh, Parker D. Brumfield and Marley Reese Brumfield; two sisters, Mary (David) Rush and Judy (Kevin) Hodgins; two brothers, John Riestenberg and Jeff (Amy) Riestenberg; brothers in law and sisters in law, Debbie (David) Cheney, John (Ruth) Roller, Greg (Vincent Lopez) Roller, Eileen (Tom) King, Mary Sockrider and Susan Szeremeta; also surviving are many nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents he is preceded in death by a sister, Marcia A. Minnick; his father and mother in law, Kenneth & Clara Roller; and a sister in law, Ann Timpe.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, June 29 at 11:00 a.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church, Mill and Stewart Streets, Athens with Father Mark Moore as celebrant. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. A reception will follow at the Athens Country Club. Friends may call Friday 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at Jagers & Sons Funeral Home, Athens. Vigil for the Deceased will be held Friday at 9 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to OhioHealth Hospice, Alzheimer’s Association or the Friends of the Shelter Dogs. Please share a memory, a note of condolence or sign the online register at www.jagersfuneralhome.com.
