WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Long time Klinger Lake resident James Ellsworth Riley, age 70, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by friends and family.
Jim was born on May 20, 1951 to Fred and Emily Riley. He attended Quincy High School in Quincy, Michigan, where he played many sports and graduated in 1969.
After high school he served in the United States Army from 1971-1972 and was stationed in Korea. He met his wife, Sheila, before he was shipped overseas and carried a picture of her through the floods of Korea.
He married Sheila in 1974 and had two daughters in 1979 (Jessica) and 1983 (Ashley).
Jim was the President of Gray Brothers Stamping and Machine Inc. and Gray Brothers Manufacturing. He started working there in 1978 when Sheila became pregnant with Jessica.
Several companies were under the parent company of Gray Brothers Stamping and Machine including Tube Fabricators, Con De Manufacturing, Midwest Fire Protection and Unique US Products. Jim was instrumental in running all of these companies.
Aside from work, Jim served the local community on many boards including being President of the Glen Oaks Community College Foundation, Key Bank Advisory Board, Fruit Belt Electric Board, and was a board member and many time President of Klinger Lake Country Club.
When his daughters attended Holy Angels School in Sturgis, Jim volunteered to coach Boys 7th and 8th grade boys basketball. He greatly enjoyed this and did it for 10 years.
When not spending time with family, he was hunting pheasants in South Dakota (since 1973), golfing at Klinger Lake Country Club, riding his motorcycle, or traveling with his wife and friends.
Jim was preceded in death by his mother and father, brothers Mike and John and father in law Dale. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Sheila, daughters Jessica (Brian) of Muskegon, Ashley (Ryan) of Vicksburg and grand daughters Avery, Payten, and Kyla, his Mother in Law Phyllis Gray and brother Wayne (Laura), sisters Pat (Rich) and Mary (Rick) and many nieces and nephews.
Jim and Sheila have been blessed to make friendships with many people during their marriage. These relationships have meant a tremendous amount to them and they have been very appreciative of the support from these people, especially long time friends and neighbors.
In accordance with Jim’s wishes, he will have an internment and service with full military rights at Fort Custer in Augusta, Michigan on Friday September 3rd at 10am. The family will have a celebration of life at Klinger Lake Country Club at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Jim’s name to Hospice of Three Rivers, Full Circle Nursing Care of Burr Oak or the Sturgis Foundation.
