James F.N. Reese Rizzardi

James F.N. Reese Rizzardi, age 54, a resident of Columbia, Tennessee, passed away on Tuesday morning, June 24, 2025, at St. Thomas West.

A funeral service will be held on Sunday, June 29, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Heritage Funeral Home with Rick Points officiating. Following the service, he will be laid to rest in Fly Cemetery. A visitation will be held on Saturday, June 28, 2025, from 4:00 – 8:00 PM at the funeral home. Heritage Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Born in Maury County on December 22, 1970, James was the son of the late Marvin Knox and Mary Irene Turner Reese, and was also lovingly raised by his adoptive parents, the late Louis Thomas and Minnie Ethel Fly Rizzardi. He dedicated more than thirty years of service as a mechanic at Turner & Osborne, where his skill and work ethic were well respected.

Outside of work, James found joy in restoring motorcycles and shooting guns. He had a big heart and was known for his devotion to his family—always the one to organize family reunions and bring loved ones together. A proud father and grandfather, he treasured time spent with his grandchildren and was always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need. His love for animals, especially Rottweilers, was evident in the care he gave to his cherished dogs: Chewey, Sassy, Black Jack, and Sheeba Lynn.

He is survived by his devoted fiance, Dana Webb, children, Shelly (Justin Sr.) Rhodes of Ethridge, Dustin Owens of Columbia, Alisha (Laban) Kelley of Loretto, Savannah Baker of Columbia, Justin (Shelby) Bates of Columbia, siblings, Mattie (Fred) Smith of Primm Springs, Marvin Knox (Linda) Reese, Jr. of Columbia, Shelia Reed of Columbia, Tommy Reese of Primm Springs, Lee (Scott) Bailey of Columbia, grandchildren, Justin Rhodes, Jr., Jessica Rhodes, Kelly Rhodes, Sophia Rhodes, Athena Feldstein, Serenity Feldstein, Paisley Baker and Bentley Bates, special brother in law, Jason Webb, best friend who he considered a sister, Janice Mills Smith, and numerous nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Becky Slaughter, Gary Reese, and Ronnie Reese.

Those serving as pallbearers will be Sam Clark, Justin Bates, Michael Reese, Johnnie Reese, Wayne Strother, and Jason Webb. Honorary pallbearers will include the employees at Turner & Osborne, the staff and regulars at Momma’s Country, friends and staff at Duck River Raceway Park, and Bentley Bates.