James Herbert Riley

James Herbert “Jim” Riley, 92, of Sweeny, Texas was born March 14, 1921. He went to be with his heavenly father on June 10, 2013. He was raised on the family farm in Wheeler County, Texas. James graduated from Briscoe High School in 1938, attended West Texas State University in Canyon. While at W.T., he went into the National Guard and on into the U.S. Army. He served in World War II as Captain in the infantry in the Aleutian Islands in Alaska. James attended Louisiana State University and received his Bachelor’s of Science degree in Agriculture and also received a Masters Degree. He met and married Ann Stone in 1948. He held several jobs in ranch management. James also worked at Phillips Petroleum then went out onto receive his teaching certificate and taught Math courses from geometery through calculus in Sweeny ISD for 24 years. After retiring from teaching, he raised cattle and lived on his ranch with his wife of forty five years. James was a member of First Methodist Church of Sweeny where he was very active, he taught mens Bible Class and served as church treasurer. He was a 33rd degree Mason in the Masonic Lodge. James was a past master of Old Ocean Lodge 1284, West ColumbiaChapter 34, West Columbia Council 29, and instructed Masonic Officers at Litt S. Perry Commandery in Angleton. After Ann passed away, he moved for a short time to Amarillo where he met and married LeVerne Lasleyin 2005. With failing health, he moved back to Sweeny and lived with his dearest friends, Weldon and Janiece Andrus, Kenny, Hope, Kenzie and Lenzie Andrus. James will be intered in a family plot in Dryden Cemetery near Hollis, Oklahoma. James was preceded in death by his wife, Ann Stone Riley, his parents, Perry William Riley and Grace Grant Riley Moore, special Aunt Tamsey Virginia Riley Leitch, Jennie Grace “Betty” Riley Hollis, and Valaree Riley Crabb and two nephews, Marck C. Crabb and James Black Crabb. James is survived by his wife, LeVerne Lasley Riley, sister, Joy Wilina Riley, and brother in law, M.C. “Rusty” Crabb, all of Amarillo. At James’ request, there will be no local services.