Jim Riley

Jim Billy Riley, 89, of West Columbia, Texas passed away on Monday, March 29, 2021. He was born January 17, 1932 in Lufkin, Texas to the late Ora Lee (Pate) and William Franklin Riley.

Jim graduated from Stephen F. Austin University with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. He worked as a Measurement/Corrosion Technician in the Natural Gas Pipeline industry. Jim was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church, VFW, Knights of Columbus, Lions Club and served his country in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict as a S Sgt (T).

Jim loved deer hunting and fishing with his family and friends. Also, he had a passion for wood working and spent a great deal of time creating and making various things for people who were special to him. Jim loved music and playing his guitars and enjoyed watching high school football games on Friday nights. Family gatherings, however, were Jim’s favorite, and he cherished time spent with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents William Franklin and Ora Lee Riley; wife Marilyn Riley; daughter Pam Grogan; brothers Hoyt, Joe and Julius Riley; sisters Theda Wilson, Jane Higbee, Sarah Rich and Patsy Jo Riley.

Jim is survived by his wife Christine Riley; children: Bill Riley, Donna Henderson, Mark Riley, Steve Riley, Pat Riley, Emily Delgado, Kenneth Mican, Dennis Mican, twenty-two grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren.

The family will welcome friends and loved ones from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Monday, April 5, 2021 at C.T. Baker & Sons Funeral Home in West Columbia.

A Rosary will be recited at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 6, 2021 at St. John’s Catholic Church in West Columbia, with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 10:00 a.m. with Father Preston Quintela officiating. A reception will follow immediately after the service at St. John’s Family Center.

Interment will be at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in East Bernard, Texas.

Serving as pallbearers for Jim will be James Riley, Riley Henderson, Matthew Riley, Eric Riley, Joshua Riley and Evan Delgado.

Honorary pallbearers will be William Riley, Michael Riley, Adam Riley Zachary Riley, Mike Grogan and Bryan Mican.

In lieu of flowers, the family request the Military Mom Care and St. John’s Catholic Church.