James Davis Riley Sr, also known to many as “Jimmy”, went to be with the Lord on March 7, 2022, at 10:35 a.m. at home surrounded by family.

Jimmy was born in New Hebron, on Jan. 23, 1938, to Vernon L. Riley and Jonnie Benson Riley.  Jimmy stayed active playing multiple sports including football, baseball, and being involved in numerous clubs and organizations at New Hebron High School.

He met his love of 65 years, Kitty Griffith Riley, married, and eventually moved to Clinton, where they resided until the last few months of his life.  Together they have three beautiful children: Dave, Renee and Rachel.

He attended Mississippi College and had multiple jobs throughout the years including being an award-winning insurance agent and investor in real estate and timber/land.

An avid sports fan, Jimmy loved to watch the Atlanta Braves and Ole Miss Rebels through the years.  You could always find him at his family’s sporting events cheering them on during the games.  A cowboy at heart, he enjoyed being active, watching western movies regularly (with his favorite being John Wayne) and listening to his favorite music including Elvis Presely and Johnny Cash.

A Godly and devoted family man, Jimmy never met a stranger.  He was optimistic and hardworking despite his circumstances.  Always smiling, he would frequently ride around Clinton in his white pick-up truck, running errands for others and dropping in to visit friends and family.

His last nine months, he resided in Carmel, Indiana, with his daughter, Rachel, and son-in-law, Sukhpreet, where he was able to continue his enjoyment of cowboy, baseball, and football watching along with exploring a new city, making new friends, and expanding his quality of life until his last days.

Jimmy was loved by many and a great legacy he will leave.

Jimmy is preceded in death by his parents Vernon L. Riley and Jonnie B. Riley and his brother Robert V. Riley (Bob).

He leaves his wife of 65 years, Kitty Griffith Riley of Clinton; his son Dave Riley and his wife, April Riley of Clinton; his daughter, Renee Riley Todd of Clinton; his daughter, Dr. Rachel Riley Multani and her husband, Dr. Sukhpreet Singh Multani of Carmel, Indiana; his grandchildren, Dana Riley, Karmen Holly, Kayla Williams, Emily Todd, Garrett Riley, Jonathon Riley, Staton Todd and Jance Riley; his great-grandchildren, Tatum Holly, Emery Holly and Savannah Williams; his sisters, Jonnie Lane, Elizabeth Bryan, and Sue foster and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

There was a celebration of Jimmy’s life with a private family service at Wright and Ferguson funeral home on Sunday March 13, 2022, in Clinton with his final resting place being Clinton Cemetery.

Family and friends can make donations in his name to the charity of their choice.