Born in Fall River, the son of the late Timothy and Margaret (Curran) Riley, he was a lifelong resident of the city.
James was a proud WWII Veteran. After serving in the Army, James loved to discuss his time during the war training dogs on Cat Island in Mississippi, as well as his travels in the states, and in the South Pacific. He worked as a Security Guard on the Newport Navy Base for 25 years and worked as a driver for Heat Transfer for 15 years. A true family-man, James was an avid crossword puzzler, loved John Wayne, Westerns, and the family dog, Harry.
He is survived by one granddaughter, Katie Riley of Fall River; one son, Thomas of Deer Field Beach, Florida, and one great-granddaughter, Grace; and several nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. He is the father to the late Linda Riley and the brother to the late Margaret Riley, Rose Riley, Mary Riley Camara, Sr. Mary Timothea, RSM, and Timothy Riley.
Private arrangements will be in the care of Waring-Sullivan Funeral Home at Cherry Place. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your local animal shelter.
