OBITUARY: James ‘Jim’ Kenneth Riley

James “Jim” Kenneth Riley, Jr., 49, on Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022, at home in Newton.

Jim was born on May 2, 1972, in Newton to James Kenneth, Sr. and Carolyn Faye (Beaushaw) Riley. He was the eldest of two sons.

Jim married Christine Newman on Nov. 26, 1991, in El Dorado. They had two beautiful daughters, Jennifer Kathleen and Melissa Elaine. Jim would tell you that becoming a father was the best thing he ever did. Although the marriage would not stand the test of time, their love for each other and their children certainly did.

Jim was a kind man and an animal lover. He enjoyed all outdoor activities such as camping and fishing. He was an avid fan of sports including Red Wings hockey, Kansas City Chiefs football, and NASCAR.

A licensed HVAC technician by trade, Jim’s true passion was landscaping, and he took great pride in pointing out locations on which he had worked.

Jim was preceded in death by his father, Kenny, and his youngest daughter, Melissa. He is survived by his mother, Carolyn; daughter, Jennifer; brother, Robert; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, and countless friends he considered his family; and last but not least, his beloved dog Gus.

Memorial service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 12, at Petersen Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Chip Bungard presiding. There will be a private family interment on a later day.

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