In loving memory of
James Riley
1934 - 2024
MARION – James W. Riley, age 89, of Marion, Indiana, passed away on Monday, January 8, 2024, at St. Joseph Hospital in Reading, Pennsylvania.
He was born on June 3, 1934, in Monroe, Indiana, to the late Vernon and Aldine (Stauffer) Riley.
In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his siblings, Vernon Riley and his wife Thelma, Ruth Weesner and her husband Lowell, and Ruby Riley.
James is survived by his beloved wife of 69 years, Beverly J. (Elliott) Riley, whom he married on September 25, 1954; his daughters, Sharon Suarez and Pamela (Joe Maslowski) Riley, all of Reading; his granddaughter, Alexandra Brinkley of Reading; and his brother, Paul (Helena) Riley of Carmel, Indiana. James is also survived by his many wonderful in-laws, nieces and nephews, and long-time friends.
James was a tool and die maker at the GM Fisher Body plant in Marion for 39 years and continued teaching apprenticeship classes after he retired. He took great pride in being a Mason for 67 years and attained the rank of Grand Master, while also serving as treasurer of his local lodge for several years. James was a long-time member of the Friends church and served many years as a deacon and Sunday School teacher at the First Friends Church in Marion, Indiana. James and Beverly loved square dancing, camping, and boating and explored America with Sharon, Pamela, and good friends. Even though James was involved in many community activities, he always found time for his treasured garden. James was a master gardener and was happiest when he could give away the fruits of his labor to family, friends and even strangers who needed it.
James’ family would like to invite everyone to join them to celebrate his life on Saturday, January 20, 2024, from 1:00pm to 3:00pm for an open house located at First Friends Church, 2211 N. Wabash Road, Marion, Indiana 46952.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations may be made to: Marion First Friends Church at https://marionfirstfriends.org/give
For additional information and to view James’ online obituary, please visit www.churchfuneralsdirect.com.
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He was born on June 3, 1934, in Monroe, Indiana, to the late Vernon and Aldine (Stauffer) Riley.
In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his siblings, Vernon Riley and his wife Thelma, Ruth Weesner and her husband Lowell, and Ruby Riley.
James is survived by his beloved wife of 69 years, Beverly J. (Elliott) Riley, whom he married on September 25, 1954; his daughters, Sharon Suarez and Pamela (Joe Maslowski) Riley, all of Reading; his granddaughter, Alexandra Brinkley of Reading; and his brother, Paul (Helena) Riley of Carmel, Indiana. James is also survived by his many wonderful in-laws, nieces and nephews, and long-time friends.
James was a tool and die maker at the GM Fisher Body plant in Marion for 39 years and continued teaching apprenticeship classes after he retired. He took great pride in being a Mason for 67 years and attained the rank of Grand Master, while also serving as treasurer of his local lodge for several years. James was a long-time member of the Friends church and served many years as a deacon and Sunday School teacher at the First Friends Church in Marion, Indiana. James and Beverly loved square dancing, camping, and boating and explored America with Sharon, Pamela, and good friends. Even though James was involved in many community activities, he always found time for his treasured garden. James was a master gardener and was happiest when he could give away the fruits of his labor to family, friends and even strangers who needed it.
James’ family would like to invite everyone to join them to celebrate his life on Saturday, January 20, 2024, from 1:00pm to 3:00pm for an open house located at First Friends Church, 2211 N. Wabash Road, Marion, Indiana 46952.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations may be made to: Marion First Friends Church at https://marionfirstfriends.org/give
For additional information and to view James’ online obituary, please visit www.churchfuneralsdirect.com.
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Visitation 
- Sat, January 20, 2024
- 01:00 to 03:00 PM
- Marion First Friends Church
- 2211 N. Wabash Road
- Marion, IN 46952
- Telephone: (765) 662-0078
Service
- Private Funeral
Additional Details
- If you need immediate assistance or have any question regarding the details of this funeral, please call 1.800.308.3590.
For additional information about ChurchFunerals Direct Network, please email your request to info@churchfuneralsdirect.com.
