James Oliver Rigney Jr., who wrote fantasy as Robert Jordan and historical fiction as Reagan O'Neal and Jackson O'Reilly, passed away September 16, 2007 at the age of 58. Rigney was diagnosed with a rare blood disease, Cardiac amyloidosis, in 2006. He was a Life Member of Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America.

Jordan was best known as the author of the Wheel of Time series which began with the novel, The Eye of the World in 1990 and inspired a near cult fan following. 10 more novels were published in the series, the most recent being Knife of Dreams in 2005. The 12th volume in the series is unfinished.

Other novels by Rigney includes many Conan books, and two short series, Eye of the World and Great Hunt. He published very little short fiction.

He is survived by his wife Harriet, who was with him at the time of his death. Memorial details will be posted at the Robert Jordan Blog.

Brandon Sanderson to finish Jordan's Wheel of Time series –12/10

Posted September 17, 2007