Obituary of James T. Riley

Beloved Husband, Dad, Grandpa, and GGpa (73) Survived by wife, best friend, and travel companion of 53 years, Darlene (Shafer). Daughters, Kathleen (Mike) McMahon, Ginny Riley, Jamie (Lyle) Wurzer, and son, James T. Riley III. Grandchildren; Amy (Brett) Hyde, Amanda (Brandon) Maxwell, Mike (Wendy) McMahon, Ashley Cropsey, Ben (Mandy) Riley, Anna (Mike) Buehler, Joe McMahon, Emily Nikosch, Cory Norell, Kristi Wurzer, Scott Wurzer, Taylor Jeanetta, and Courtney Wurzer. Great Grandchildren, Nathan, Bella, Archer, Faith, Owen, McKinley, and James. Sister, Alice (Richard) Nielsen, Aunt Angie Oney, many nephews, nieces, in-laws, godchildren, cousins, and friends. Jim was preceded in death by his father, James T. Riley Sr. and mother, Trudy (Anderson) Emery. Step-fathers Lloyd Magnuson, and Daniel Emery, his beloved Uncle Floyd Anderson, his granddaughter, Courtney Norell, and many cherished family members. Jim graduated from Mechanic Arts High School, married his high school sweetheart, and then proudly served his country in the US Army. He was employed at Murphy Motor Freight until they closed their doors. Jim then meticulously planned road trips that led him through the 48 states and multiple drives to Alaska. He loved hunting and fishing with “the boys”, and the great outdoors. He enjoyed gardening and surprised us all with his talent for it! He held his annual and multiple garage sales. He enjoyed collecting things. He LOVED everything about being a grandpa and a great grandpa. Every grandchild was privileged to get a school clothes shopping day and a fishing trip to Trout Air with gramps. He attended the grandchildren’s games-even when the grandchild was the coach! A trip to Tanzania led to him funding the first land purchase for a soccer field, church, and ongoing food program for a little village called Madala. He dreamed of a trip to Ireland and going back to Tanzania to see the children again. Jim bravely fought cancer for the past year and left for his final trip on Christmas Eve Day surrounded by his family. Strength and Honor—he will be missed dearly. Private services will be held.