James Riley, 71

Published 12:00 am Friday, February 5, 2010

James Thomas Riley of Northfield passed away on Jan. 31, 2009, at the age of 71. He married Mary Doherty of Waverly on Sept. 24, 1960, and together they had four children.
James was a man of many traits and talents. He had a passion for horses and spent time announcing at the Rainbow Saddle Club in Northfield. He went for training in Fergus Falls for CDC training and spent a majority of his life counseling others. He was a man who celebrated his sobriety for 35 years and was very involved in the AA programs. He also did work with inmates at correctional institutes throughout Minnesota.
He is survived by sons: Robert of Golden Valley and Michael of Minneapolis; daughters: Shannon Riley of Portland, Ore., and Maureen Huot of Northfield; sister, Kathy Fish (Bob) of Locus Grove, Vir.; brother, Robert (Linda) of Stillwater; his aunt, Elizabeth Riley, of Chicago, Ill.; and seven grandchildren; eight nieces and nephews; and many friends.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Mary; parents: Lucille and Robert; and brothers: Mike and Pat.
Visitation is Sunday at Bierman Funeral in Northfield from 2 to 5 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Dominics Church in Northfield at 11:30 a.m. with a visitation one hour prior to the service.
Blessed be the memory of James T. Riley.