Addison B Joseph Ries

In Loving Memory of Addison B. Joseph "AJ" Ries Addison B. Joseph Ries, affectionately known as AJ, left this world to soar to new heights on June 24, 2026. As his family likes to say, he finally met the giant eagle in the sky—the one he'd proudly celebrate with his unforgettable cry of "Rock Flag Eagle!" We have no doubt he was welcomed with open arms by his father, Brian Ries, his faithful dog, Louis Long Tail, and the many loved ones who had gone before him. Although his time on earth was far too short, AJ lived more life than many people do in a lifetime. He was a lover of life, a ball of energy, a true spitfire, and without question the life of every party. His bright blue eyes, infectious smile, and booming laugh drew people to him wherever he went. AJ was a jack-of-all-trades with an incredible gift for fixing just about anything. He could look at a project and know the measurements with just a glance. As the unofficial fix-it man of Clintonville, he was always ready to lend a hand to anyone in need. That generous heart started young—even earning himself a suspension from kindergarten after bringing a knife to school because he wanted to cut down a tree branch that other children kept tripping over. Even then, he simply wanted to help. His kindness, generosity, and willingness to show up for others made lifelong friends wherever he went. His sister knew that if she called needing advice, help with a project, or even rescuing after she'd ignored one too many warning lights on her car, AJ would come. He loved adventure. Whether traveling, making memories with family, or exploring somewhere new, he embraced every experience with excitement. Arizona held a special place in his heart, and he often talked about returning someday—hopefully without enduring another fourteen-hour car ride that felt like riding in an RC remote-control car. AJ loved deeply. He treasured his family, especially the time spent laughing, dancing, and creating memories together. He adored twirling his mom around the dance floor, and there was nothing more important to him than his sister, Riely, and his nephew, Hudson, who lovingly called him "Uncle Old Man." They enjoyed looking for bugs together and learning new places to hide and scare Riely. He is survived by his mother, Sarah Dresbach Ries; his beloved sister, Riely Ries, and her partner, Jesse Rife; his cherished nephew, Hudson; his loving grandparents, Mary Anne and Dr. Steve Miklosik his grandmother, Carol Foster; his loving Aunt Joanie and Uncle Tom Fowler; and countless aunts, uncles, cousins, family members, and friends whose lives were forever changed by knowing him. To know AJ was to love him. He accepted people exactly as they were. If he loved you, you knew it. And if he didn't agree with something, you knew that too. He was a true Aries through and through. He'd be the first to admit he wasn't a saint. He had a wonderfully wild side that could be beautifully frustrating—but that fearless authenticity was exactly what made him unforgettable. As his mother, I can say the love he gave me was breathtaking. There will never be a day that I won't feel his energy around me, hear his laughter in my memories, or see pieces of him in the people whose lives he touched. Though our hearts are broken, we find comfort knowing that love like his never truly leaves us. Fly high, AJ. Your story doesn't end here. Your laughter, your kindness, your wild spirit, and your love will live on in all of us forever.

Celebration of Life will be held on September 19th, 2026 at Whetstone Park of Roses by the casting pond, 12-5pm. Come as you are as we all know, AJ sure as hell would have. Light refreshments will be served. Please bring a chair and your memories, fishing is optional but AJ never let a good time go by without casting some lines.

“Goodluck everybody else!” -AJ Ries