James "Nick" Riley

JAMES "NICK" RILEY James Horace Riley passed away on February 15, 2016. He was born on January 3, 1926 to Arthur Riley and Bonnie Mae Askins at Paris, Arkansas. Survived by wife, Marian Melancon Riley, son Stephen P. Riley, (wife) Annette, daughter-in-law, Sheryl Riley of Houston, Texas, grandchildren, David Riley, Aaron Riley, Joshua Riley, Sean Riley, and Nicholas Riley, and 4 great-grandchildren, all of Houston, Texas. James Riley was preceded in death by his parents, brother, his wife Marguerite, and son, James Riley III. James was a retired Lt. Col. in the U.S. Army and a veteran of the U.S. Navy, World War II. During the Korean War he served as a Rifle Platoon Leader and Machine Gun Platoon Leader in six campaigns (6 battle stars) from July 10, 1950 to September 1951 as a combat infantryman. He was also a veteran of the Vietnam War in which he was a combat operations advisor to ARVN forces. James attended Oklahoma A&M College and Kansas State University Prior to completing BSE and Master's degrees from University of Texas at El Paso. Following military service he taught school in the El Paso District and Ysleta district, retiring in 1989. In retirement, James enjoyed playing golf and traveling. Visitation will be on Thursday, February 18, 2016 from 9:00 am to 10:30 am at Hillcrest Funeral Home-Carolina. Interment to follow at Fort Bliss National Cemetery at 11:30 am, with full military honors. Donations may be made to La Mariposa Hospice or to a favorite charity . The family wishes to express our heartfelt gratitude especially to Andy, and Amelia. Services under the direction of Hillcrest Funeral Home 1060 N. Carolina 598-3332.