Mr. James Russell Riley, Sr., age 93, went home to be with our Lord and his beloved wife of nearly 70 years, Deresa, Friday, June 24, 2016.  He had been a resident of Lansing for over 60 years.  James and his wife, Deresa, founded the Riley Funeral Home in 1957.  They operated the Riley Funeral Home until their retirement in 1993.  Mr. Riley, a WWII Veteran, has been the recipient of many civic, service, and community awards and holds membership in many organizations including: Trinity A. M. E. Church; Omega Psi Phi Fraternity; Masonic Order and Elks Lodge; former president of the Lansing Housing Commission; NAACP; former president of Woldumar Nature Center; and Model Cities Board of Directors.  Survivors include: his son, James R. Riley, Jr. and his wife, Mary; grandsons, Jackson R. and Jonathan R. Riley; and his brother, Jesse Riley.

Mr. Riley will lie in repose Monday, June 27, 3pm – 9pm, at the Riley Funeral Home, 426 W. St. Joseph St., Lansing.  The family will receive friends Monday, June 27, 7-8pm, at the funeral home.  Funeral services will be held Tuesday, June 28, 1pm, at Trinity A. M. E. Church, 3500 W. Holmes Road, Lansing.   As an expression of sympathy, donations in memory of Mr. Riley may be made to: The Turning Point of Lansing Male Mentoring Program, PO Box 27562, Lansing, MI, 48909.  Memories and condolences may be shared at www.rileyfuneralhome.com.