James Berryman Riley Jr.

James Berryman Riley Jr, age 93, passed away on Wednesday morning at 9:34 AM, May 20th. Born on October 19th, 1932 in Baltimore Maryland, Jim was a beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather and wonderful friend to all who knew him. He was revered for his intelligence, sense of humor, kindness, compassion, professionalism and love for his family.

Jim lost his beloved wife Sylvia Helen Riley just 4 months earlier on January 11th 2026, she was almost 93 years old. Jim is survived by his sons, James Berryman Riley III (and wife, Tina Arkoumanis-Riley) and Kevin Bradley Riley (and spouse, Becky Kedzierski); and his grandsons, James Berryman Riley IV (and wife, Zoe Riley), Steven Alexander Riley, Kennedy Bryce Riley, Matthew Tyler Riley, and Kyle Bradley Riley. Jim was the loving Father of the late Kenneth Brian Riley and cherished son of the late James Berryman Riley Sr. and Tresa Riley.

Jim had a remarkable professional career as a lawyer and CPA for Federal Government, and his deepest joy, devotion to and purpose in life was his family. He had immense pride and happiness over the accomplishments of all of his sons and grandsons.

After Jim graduated from High School in 1950, he earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Accounting from University of Maryland in 1954 and later on earned a Juris Doctor in Law from University of Maryland Law School in 1962.

He commenced his accounting career with the Department of Defense (DOD) Army Audit for a few years after completing 2 years serving in the Army. Then went on to work as a CPA and also eventually as a lawyer for the Social Security Administration for about 20 years and then the remainder of his career was with HCFA: Health Care Finance Administration created in 1977 which administers Medicare, Medicaid (Federal Portion) and the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). These were part of Social Security and spliced off to form HCFA in ’77.

In addition, Jim had a law and tax practice where he served over 300 clients through the years, primarily for divorces and handling their taxes filing and any litigation that may be required.  Beyond his primary positions in his career and his legal/tax practices, Jim was the Comptroller of Howard Park United Methodist Church, Comptroller of Woodlawn Country Club, ran bowling leagues for several years and taught Business Law and the Real Estate Course at University College of University of Maryland for decades. Jim retired in 2002 but still taught these courses at University College for several more years.

All through his exceptional career, his devotion to his family never missed a single beat, we always had Sunday dinners and through the years had 2 week vacations first in Ocean City Maryland during the early years then from 1968 onward we always went to Myrtle Beach South Carolina where he eventually acquired condos. He was a high spirited, strong, affectionate, loving and caring person and everyone who knew him loved him dearly, especially his family.

Visitation will be held at Witzke Funeral Homes Inc., 5555 Twin Knolls Road, Columbia, MD 21045, on Thursday, May 28, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, and again from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

A Funeral Service will take place at Witzke Funeral Homes Inc., 5555 Twin Knolls Road, Columbia, MD 21045, on Friday, May 29, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.

Committal will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery, 2130 Woodlawn Dr, Baltimore, MD 21207, Baltimore, MD 21207, on Friday, May 29, 2026, at 12:30 pm.