General Secretary-Treasurer Emeritus James J. Riley passed away August 23, 2001 after a long-term illness. He was 81.
James J. Riley, born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, a graduate of Western Reserve University with a Bachelor of Science Degree, later served as Lieutenant of the United States Naval Reserves in Pacific Theatre of Operations during World War II.
He became a projectionist in Cleveland and a member of Cleveland Moving Picture Machine Operators Local No.160, IATSE, in 1940, in which he was later elected to the position of Business Agent in 1966. In 1969 he was elected to serve as an International Trustee, a position he held until 1978 when he was elected as General Secretary-Treasurer by the 54th IATSE Biennial Convention.
General Secretary-Treasurer Emeritus Riley also served as a Vice President of the Union Label and Service Trades Department, AFL-CIO, a position he was elected to serve in 1969.
He is survived by daughters Janet, Nancy, Catherine, Ruth and Mary; sons, James, Thomas, Dennis and John; 33 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and a brother. He was preceded in death by his wife, of 60 years, Ruth in 1999.
The IATSE is deeply saddened by the loss of Brother Riley. Our prayers and condolences are offered to the Riley Family. He will be missed by all.
The Riley Family has requested that donations go to the National Epilepsy Foundation (www.efsepa.org) or the Muscular Dystrophy Association (www.mdausa.org) in memory of James J. Riley. For information as to how to make a donation, please contact the web sites listed above.
