James was born February 19, 1942, to Dr. James A. and Ann Riley.
He attended Glenville High School and then worked various jobs at Sears, Cleveland State University and RTA. He served his country during the Viet Nam War and was honorably discharged in 1967.
He then started his career at Chrysler Corporation until his retirement in 2002 with 32+ years of service.
James married Betty Riley nee Brown in 1965, and to this union his daughter, Ericka, and son, James III, were born and his stepson, Anthony Wayne Tartt. In 1981 he welcomed another daughter, Sanesa Gordon nee Jones.
James was very active in family events and always shared in celebrating accomplishments of his children and family with pride. He had a love of automobiles of which he had many and was able to repair them himself. His favorite past time in retirement was shopping at Walmart, which he did often and very well.
He married his long- time love, Denise Riley nee Feaster on May 1, 2021, in a private ceremony.
She cared for him and made his last days on this earth comfortable with the help of stepdaughter, Ebony Feaster. James “Superman” Riley will be missed by all.

Preceded in death by his parents, Dr. James A. and Ann Riley; sister, Maryalice Stepter; brother, Kenneth Riley; stepson, Anthony Wayne Tartt; and his first wife, Betty Riley.

He leaves to mourn, his wife, Denise Riley; daughters, Ericka Riley (Thomas) and Sanesa “Baby” Gordon; son, James A. Riley III; 3 bonus daughters, Ebony Feaster, Patricia Feaster and Dominique Lampier (Paul); one bonus son, Andre Feaster; 8 Grandchildren- Chauntia, Ronald Jr., Ryan (Kaylin) Christian, Chelsey, Jameia, James IV, Kennedy, as well as 26 Bonus grandchildren from his second marriage; 9 Great-Grandchildren, Darvell Jr, Chamiah, Christyona, Ja’Niya, Cali, Chaz, Travis, Shai and Riley; 3 sisters-in-law, Rev. Willia Moore, Liz Pritchard (Mike) and Charlene Feaster; 3 Brothers-in-law, Fred Feaster Jr. (Shirley) Kevin Feaster and Michael Feaster; 4 Nieces, Ann Crosby (David), Chanda Redmond (Shawn), Tiffany Riley and Aja Bennett (Roderick); and a Host of Family and Friends.