James P Riley

James Phillip Riley, cherished husband, loving father and faithful friend; became the first seat trumpet player in the Lord’s orchestra on Wednesday, October 31^st at 8:25 pm.

Jim was first and foremost a family man; his life was devoted to making sure his family was well-loved and taken care of. He and his wife Penny enjoyed 60 years of marriage, and he rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on or support their two children, Marshall and Lisa.  His granddaughters, Riley and Leslie, were two of the the greatest joys of his life. 

His great love for his fellow man and was seen in his ready and broad smile, and a helping hand. He proudly served his country in the United States Army and was a pioneer of the aerospace industry as a part of the Apollo and the Space Shuttle program. All his life experiences made for great stories—and Jim was the consummate story teller— seeking to entertain all who were within earshot; he loved to see people laugh.

The greatest legacy Jim leaves is his love of Christ. It is this love that was the impetus for all that He did, and it lives on in the lives of his family and in the lives of those who he impacted. He faithfully served the Lord in the Park Avenue Baptist orchestra and was the hands and feet of Christ to numerous members of the community at large. The Lord’ s grace extended Jim’s life far beyond the limitations of his physical body, and it was His mercy that took him home. The world has lost a great man, but heaven has gained a first-rate trumpet player.

To honor the memory of Jim and his legacy, please send donations for the purchase of musical instruments for underprivileged students to Jim Matthews at P.O. Box 45, 3206 S. Hopkins Ave., Titusville, FL 32780-5698.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.