Zeigler- James C. “J.J.” “Jimmy Joe” Riley, 80, of Zeigler, formerly of Herrin, passed away at 8:22 AM, Wednesday, July 29, 2015 at his home.
James was born on July 15, 1935 in New Colombia, IL (on the Massac/Johnson County line) to John R. and Rosa Marie (Dennison) Riley. He married his wife of 58 years, Mary Jane Emerick on November 3, 1956 in Elmwood, IL. She survives of Zeigler. They renewed their wedding vows on their 50th wedding anniversary.
Jim was a US Marine who served his country bravely while stationed in Hawaii and Japan during the Korean War. Once honorably discharged, he returned home and began his career which eventually led to owning Riley’s North Park Auto Shop in Herrin for fifteen years before beginning another career as a painter for Marion Pepsi for sixteen years. He painted vending machines and trucks Pepsi until he retired in 1997.
He attended the LDS Church in West Frankfort and was a member of the Zeigler Eagles Club. He also volunteered his time as a Neighborhood Watch Leader and Cub Scout Master. Jim was always on the go and enjoyed spending time outside gardening vegetables and fishing for catfish at many of our areas local rivers. After retirement, James and Mary Jane travelled the US from coast to coast in their motorhome. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and will be dearly missed by his family and friends.
Survivors include-
Wife- Mary Riley of Zeigler
Nine Children:
James A. Riley of Galatia
Louis R. Riley and girlfriend Karen Hemphill of Bush
John W. Riley and wife Joyce of Zeigler
Lena Somerville and husband B.J. of Newport, NC
Larry Joe Riley and wife Rhonda of California
Barbara Barben and husband Dave of Mifflinburg, PA
Betty Payne and husband Rory of Johnston City
Peggy Sue Riley and Lester Bond of Carbondale
Norma Jean Riley-Kerrigan and husband Richie of Herrin
Grandchildren:
Justin Riley and wife Mindy of Mulkeytown
Steven Riley of Galatia
Laura Davis and husband Todd of Eldorado
Amanda Riley and Rusty Haile of Mount Vernon
Melody Lehman and husband Mike of Johnston City
Tony Riley of Mount Vernon
Sean Riley of Johnston City
Sherry Riley of Zeigler
Teresa Rogers and husband Greg of Johnston City
Fayla Dufford and husband Tommy of Collinsville
Patricia Ledford and husband Jeff of Spring, TX
Timothy Williams and wife Sara of Colombus, GA
Sasha Driscoll and husband Ben of West Bend, WI
Luke Somerville of San Diego, CA
Tammy Rodriguez of California
Roban Woodward and husband Jeremy of California
Joseph Riley and wife Dee Dee of California
JC Olds of Milton, PA
Ale Barben and Brandon Bevis of Herrin
Beth Barben of Mifflinburg, PA
Ashley Caliper and husband Travis of Colp
Glen Bush and wife Alyssa of Herrin
Joshua Payneof Marion
Chris Bush of Herrin
Heather Sizemore of Herrin
Lee Sizemore of Carbondale
Alex Perkins of Camp Pendleton, CA
Jesse Orr of Johnston City
Tim Holland of Carbondale
Brittany Gurley and husband Isaac of Herrin
Nick Kerrigan and wife Nicole of Herrin
Zac Bush and wife Cassie of Herrin
Joshua Bush of California
Dani Housman and husband Rich of Anna
Dalton Kerrigan of Zeigler
Cortney Stone of Herrin
57 Great Grandchildren
Sister- Mildred Harris of Joppa
Sister- Mary Corder of Marion
Many nieces, nephews and cousins
He was preceded in death by his parents, infant child, infant brother- Louis Ray Riley, brothers- Gilbert and William Riley and great grandchild- Gabriel Thomas Bush.
The funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, August 1, 2015 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin. Rev. Courtney Hill will officiate. Military rites will be performed at the funeral home by the Herrin VFW and American Legion Posts with assistance from the US Marine Corps. Burial will take place at a later date at New Hope Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6:00 -8:00 PM held on Friday, July 31, 2015 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin.