Obituaries

James J. “Jim” Riley, 77

February 23, 2015

James J. “Jim” Riley, 77, of Lancaster, died Monday, February 23, 2015 at his home.
Born in Cleveland, OH, on April 6, 1937 to the late Thomas Alouisus Riley and Dorothy J. (O’Loughlin) Riley, he was the husband of Virginia “Ginger” (Tuthill) Riley, with whom he would have celebrated 54 years of marriage in October.
He graduated from Collinwood High School in Ohio where he was recently inducted into their Hall of Fame because of his numerous contributions to the Arts. After graduating from Collinwood in 1956, Jim entered the Cleveland Institute of Art, graduating in 1960. Upon graduation, Jim worked for the American Greeting Card Company, Cleveland and Mosaic Tile Company in Zanesville, OH.
Armstrong World Industries brought Jim to Lancaster in 1967, hiring him to work in their rotogravure department as a designer and manager. After 22 years at Armstrong Jim was hired by Tarkett in Allentown. After nearly a decade of work as a Vice President of Art Design, Jim was hired by Pergo as a consultant.
An accomplished portrait artist, Jim was a member of the American Portrait Society, the Portrait Society of America, and the American and Philadelphia Watercolor Societies. Jim was very involved in the Lancaster community, serving as a Senator for the Lancaster Jaycees. He was a past president of the Lancaster County Art Association, a member of the Lancaster and Susquehanna Bonsai Societies, and was a long-time exhibitor at the Lititz Outdoor Art Show as well as various Lancaster galleries and shows.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son, Kevin J. Riley and his wife Julia of Pahrump, NV and a daughter, Anne F. Cowher and her husband Gordon of Lititz; 3 grandchildren: Kelsey, Trey, and Connor Cowher; 2 brothers: Charles Riley of Mansfield, OH and Paul Riley of Louisville, KY; and a number of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by a sister, Rita Hopper.
A Memorial service will be held at 7 PM on Tuesday, May 26, 2015 at Charles F. Snyder, Jr Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz with Pastor Mark Thiboldeaux officiating. Friends and family will be received one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family.
Kindly omit flowers. Memorial contributions in Jim’s memory may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, Greater PA Chapter, 3544 North Progress Avenue, Ste 205, Harrisburg, PA 17110.

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Condolences to the Family

March 06, 2015

Sad to learn of Jim’s passing.  I served with Jim on the Jaycee-HDC Board, which assisted in the development of what was originally known as Lancaster House South in Lancaster City and is now Ruoff Tower.  Jim was warm, friendly, and funny, but at the same time, serious about this high-rise project for the elderly and the role he was playing in its development.  He will be missed.  Our condolences to his family and those who knew him well.   George DiILIO

March 06, 2015

 
Ginger and the Riley family – I’m surprised and saddened to learn of Jim’s passing. Jim was a uniquely pleasant individual whose acquaintance I was privileged to make after Ginger and Jim moved to the house on North Charlotte Street. I remember the “house tours” and conversations about the house, architecture and art. Ginger, you and Jim were certainly a pleasant addition to the neighborhood and to my life. My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Larry Roskos
 

March 05, 2015

To my Aunt Ginger I do not know what to say. Other than you and uncle Jim have been a great example of how to be in certain situations. I know we have not seen each other much ,but My childhood memories will be the strongest. Also how you came to our need when my mother died I dont believe I could say thank you enough to You and Uncle Jim. All my memories are fond ones I dont even have one bad memory. My very good Uncle Jim, always nice always pleasent. A real Gentleman Jim I can still remember the paintings that hung in every home of my parents. Ours were of roses which my mother liked. I remeber his smile and quiet demeanor. We , My wife Colleen and I are very sorry for your loss and the families loss. I now reget the loss time I never spent with the rest of my family.  I have read Uncle Jim’s accomplishments they are incredible. As was he thank you for what you have done for us and what can I do for you? I would be happy to help where needed. God bless you all and you annie and kevin are in our prayers. Michael Rossi

Visitation
Tuesday, May 26, 2015
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
3110 Lititz Pike
Lititz, PA 17543
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Services
Tuesday, May 26, 2015
7:00 PM
Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
3110 Lititz Pike
Lititz, PA 17543
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