James A. Riley
- Published: January 27, 2011
James A. “Jim” Riley died Tuesday, Jan. 18, following two months of failing health. He was 75.
Jim was born in Springfield on April 13, 1935, the son of James Asa and Iona Irene (Sharp) Riley. Jim retired as an electronic engineer from Battelle (Kettering Research Lab) and was president and owner of Springfield Jarco Instruments. He proudly received a U.S. patent for one of his inventions. He was an avid Ohio State University football fan and enjoyed watching the games with his family and his dog, D.J.
Jim’s greatest joys were found in spending time with his family, taking care of the home that he and his wife Donna (longtime front office presence at the Yellow Springs News) built, caring for his yard, and supporting his son and grandsons’ Babe Ruth baseball teams.
Jim is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Donna J. (Fenters) Riley; children Teri Vickers and spouse Doug, Kerry Riley and spouse Vickie and Tami Randall and spouse Mike, all of Springfield. Jim is also survived by seven grandchildren, Joshua Hufford, Jamie Parrett, Roger and Curtis Owens, and Cody, Tyler and Kierra Riley, as well as two great grandsons, Jacob and Gabe. Also surviving is his sister, Rosemary Conover, two special nieces, Laura Watkins and Lisa Vicory, nieces and nephews, Susan, Mark, Cindy, Sharon and Mike, faithful friends Pat and Bill Milton and Thelma and Bill Schwarz and many special friends and co-workers from the Kettering Lab, including Carl Myers and Kingsley Perry. Jim was preceded in death by his parents and longtime friends, Bob and Doris Bacon.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to the doctors and nurses who cared for Jim during his illness. A gathering of family and friends was held Saturday, Jan. 22, in Springfield.
The Yellow Springs News encourages respectful discussion of this article.
You must login to post a comment.
Don't have a login? Register for a free YSNews.com account.
No comments yet for this article.