James B. Riley, 85, of Jefferson, passed away at his home on Sept. 6, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Louisville, Ky. on Aug. 21, 1928, he was the son of James and Thersa (Burton) Riley.
His family moved to Detroit, Mich. when James was nine months old, and James lived in the Detroit area for most of his life until moving to Maine in 1995.
James served honorably in the U.S. Army from 1950 to 1952. Upon his honorable discharge, he worked for the Michigan Consolidated Gas Company.
James had a passion for bowling, and ran the Redford Bowling Pro Shop for many years. He also had a passion for golf, and after moving to Maine, became a true Red Sox fan.
Besides his parents, he was predeceased by brothers, Ron and Harry; brother-in-law, Glenn Roberts; and first wife, Alice.
James is survived by his wife, Nancy of Jefferson; son, Michael Dekun and wife Pat of Michigan; daughters, Ashley Seward of Jefferson, Elizabeth Greenleaf and husband Dustin of Lisbon Falls, Heather Doughty and husband Irving of West Gardiner, Jennifer Bolte of Jefferson, and Taylor Riley of Jefferson; sisters, Mary Ellen and husband James Harnden, and Rose Roberts, both of Michigan; grandchildren, Michael Dekun, Tony Dekun, Finley Greenleaf, and Maia Greenleaf; great-grandchildren, Michael Dekun and DJ Dekun; nieces, Debbie Harnden and Rhonda Miller; and nephew, Kevin Riley.
A time to visit with the family will be held 6-8 p.m., Tues., Sept. 10 at the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta. A funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m., Wed., Sept. 11 at the St. Patrick’s Church in Newcastle. He will be laid to rest at the Maine Veteran’s Cemetery in Augusta.
Condolences, and messages for the family, may be expressed by visiting www.StrongHancock.com.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
