James Walter Riley

James Walter Riley, 82, of Baytown, Texas, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, February 15, 2017. He was born on January 8, 1935, in San Antonio, Texas to Foy Polk Riley and Lillian Estelle Bell. His education began with attending Elementary schools in San Antonio, Laredo and Houston; Junior High in Houston Texas; The Old Sam Houston High in downtown Houston, Texas; South Texas Jr. College; Texas Christian College; Del Mar College. Where he earned his bachelors degrees in Criminal Justice and Arts. He served his country, and was honorably discharged from the Texas Air Nation Guard and U.S. Air Force, where he was an electronic systems repair man for F-86 jet fighters. He also worked for Halliburton and Welex Electric Well Service as a Assistant Division Engineer, Houston Instrument as a senior Engineering Tech, NASA Houston as a Supervisor Electronic Tech in guidance and control for the Apollo Mission, Atomic Energy Commission Boulder, Colorado, as a Senior Electronic Tech, and then changed his career field to Law Enforcement. He was a Lieutenant for Harris County Sherriff Office (where he was awarded Officer of The Year). He was a deputy for Harris County Constable Precinct 1, a captain for Harris County Precinct 5, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission station in San Antonio, Corpus Christi, Baytown, and Houston as an agent in charge of investigations of problem locations serving alcoholic beverages and representing TABC in all hearings before the Harris County judge. Jim then served as Municipal Court Judge in Daisetta, Texas, and Anahuac, Texas and was also a member of Municipal Court Association of Texas. He also belonged to the American Legion. He was also a member of First Baptist Church of Anahuac.

Jim was a Past Master of Batson Masonic Lodge #974, Past Master of Anahuac Lodge #995,  Past Master of Hull Lodge #1193. He was a member of Texas Lodge of Research, member of Tranquility Lodge #2000, a Past Education Officer for Masonic District #107, Past President Masters, Wardens and Secretary’s Association of Masonic District #107, 32nd Degree Houston Scottish Rite, Charter Member of the Scottish Rite, WSB Club, Member Royal Arc Masons Chapter #188, Member Royal in Select Masters Council #126, Sir Knight of Knights Templar of Texas Commandry #38, Member of Arabia Shrine Temple in Houston, Past Member of Alzafar Shrine Temple in San Antonio, and Past Member of El Amin Shrine in Corpus Christi.

In his free time, James enjoyed going to the lake, reading, and spending time with family and friends (especially his grandchildren). James was very kind, loving family man who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Foy Polk and Lillian Estelle Riley; and daughter, Dawn Riley.

James is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Linda Riley of Baytown, Texas; son, Todd Myers and wife, Sherri of Nash, Texas; sister, Maureen McMillian of Houston, Texas; granddaughters, Melissa Riley Smith and husband Mark, and Kayla Jarratt; grandsons, Cory LaBeth and wife Rebecca, Justin Myers and Caleb Myers; greatgrandchildren, Brantley Smith, Bryson Smith, Corbin LaBeth, Kaysen Jarratt, Kayden Jarratt; brother and sister-in-law, Dennis and Jeanette Wilkerson; and many other relatives and friends.

The family would like to extend a special Thank You for all their loving care to Dr. Tadros, Dr. Khan, Dr. Sashital and staff, Dr. Goswitz and staff, the nurses at San Jacinto Methodist Hospital, and the staff at Harbor Hospice.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society in honor of James.

A visitation will be held on Monday, February 20, 2017, at 10:00 am at Sterling White Funeral Home. Funeral Services will immediately follow at 11:00 am. Interment will be in Sterling White Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to Sterling-White Funeral Home, 11011 Crosby-Lynchburg Rd. Highlands, Texas 77562. To offer condolences to the family, please visit www.sterlingwhite.com.

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