James Riley

James Alva Riley, 86, of Coffeyville, Kansas passed away Sunday, October 16, 2011 at CRMC. James A was born on September 21, 1925 in Welch, Oklahoma to Earl and Daisy Mae Riley. He grew up in rural Welch where he received his education. He was in the Navy in WWII where he received the Purple Heart. In January of 1946 he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Helen Ingram in Edna, Kansas. The couple lived in several places including Arizona until settling in Coffeyville at their current residence. James worked for Page Milk, was an independent truck driver, ran a gas station with his brother Dan, and delivered freight for Manley and Hyman Freight companies. His hobbies included fishing, hunting, camping, working his team of Belgian horses, cutting fire wood, and mowing lawns. He opened his home to over thirty family members and friends throughout the years. He was known by many names but to his many nieces and nephews he was Uncle Alvy. Surviving to honor his memory is his wife, Helen of the home daughter, Marsha VanDyne of Coffeyville sons, Morgan and wife Debbie Riley of Welch, OK, Amos and wife Karen Riley of Independence, KS nine grandchildren four great grandchildren two brothers, Wes Riley and wife, Janie of Cordell, OK, Dan Riley of Strang, OK three sisters, Mae Nolte and husband Walt, Martha Shufeldt and husband Carl, Marie Volz and husband, Richard all of South Coffeyville, OK sisterinlaw, Mary Lou Riley of Welch, OK and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Daisy Mae brothers, Frank, Art, Gerald, John and Earl Riley and a sister, Annabelle. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, October 19, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at the First Southern Baptist Church in Coffeyville. Associate Pastor Stephen Heslip will officiate. Interment will follow at Lake Creek Cemetery east of Edna, KS. Friends may call on Tuesday, October 18, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. to sign the guest register at PenwellGabel FordWulfBruns Chapel in Coffeyville. Family will greet friends Tuesday evening at the funeral home from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. The family suggests memorial contributions can be made to the First Southern Baptist Church Nursery Fund. These may be left with the funeral home.