Thomas "Jim" James Riley

Thomas “Jim” James Riley, age 88, passed away peacefully on September 25, 2026, in Harvard, Illinois. He was born on March 29, 1938, in Harvard, Illinois, to James and Mary Lucille (Bailey) Riley.

Jim attended Harvard High School without much enthusiasm but certainly made many good friends. He loved the outdoors, spending lots of his younger days fishing and hunting.

 He spent many years working on his family’s farm, a place and way of life he truly loved. He later became a truck driver and worked for Peet Frate Lines in Woodstock for over 30 years. He enjoyed the open road and the many miles traveled throughout his career. During retirement, he cut grass at golf courses in the local area, also enjoying tending to his own yard and garden.

Above all, Jim was a devoted husband and father who always put his family before himself. He cared deeply for both of his wives, standing faithfully by their sides as they courageously battled cancer. The love, strength, and selflessness he showed throughout his life were values he passed on to his sons and family.

He will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his strong work ethic, and the love and care he gave so freely to those around him. He leaves behind a lifetime of memories and a legacy of love that will remain with his family and all who knew him.

Jim is survived by his children: Jeff Riley, Jerry (Lisa) Riley, Jon (Jenny) Riley, and Shane (Wendy) Munro. 7 grandchildren: Jimmy (Whitney), Rebecca (Joey), Jared, Bailey, Brooklyne, Jessica (Kyle), and Stephanie (Drew); 8 great-grandchildren; sister, Peggy (Ed) Kachinski; brothers and sisters-in- law: Karen (Gene) Loeffel, Deb Kearney, Daryl Stohlquist, Ruth (Ray) Anthony, and Julie Stohlquist, and Jane Endl; and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Ed Riley; first wife, Connie Riley; second wife, Judy Riley; in-laws, Maynard & Hazel Stohlquist, and Norbert & Lillian Haubenschild; fond brothers-in-law: Ray Kearney, Roy Stohlquist, and Don Endl; cousin, Earl Howe; and close friends, Don McFarlin and Lee Spencer.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at Saunders & McFarlin Funeral Home, 107 W. Sumner St., Harvard, IL 60033, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 2, 2026, also at Saunders & McFarlin Funeral Home. Burial will immediately follow at Mt. Auburn Cemetery in Harvard, IL.

Sign the online guestbook at saundersmcfarlin.net. Saunders & McFarlin Funeral Home of Harvard is honored to serve the Riley family.

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