James A. Riley, 74, of Nederland, died Thursday, December 17, 2015. A lifelong resident of the area, he was born on February 9, 1941, in Nederland, to Ruth Inez Langham and James Henry Riley.

James was a proud Bulldog having attended Nederland High School where he was a track star and played football.  Right out of high school, he married the love of his life, junior high and high school sweet heart, Sherril. James was employed by Goodrich from 1960 until 1974 as an operator and an active union leader. In 1974, he went to work for the Oil, Chemical, and Atomic Workers Union as an International Representative. He excelled at his job and helped many people. James was an avid gardener, fisherman, and enjoyed going to the beach. He was a longtime member of the F.O.E., where he was on the board of trustees.

Survivors include his daughters, Shelda Winton of Nederland and Ruth Ann Butaud and her husband, Neil, of Fannett; grandchildren, Shanda Thompson, Ashley Pratt, Hunter Todd, Miles Winton, Tyler Todd, and Laura Todd; thirteen great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; the love of his life, wife of fifty-four years, Sherril Riley; and brother, Bobby Riley.

The family would like to extend a thank you to the loving staff at Harbor Hospice and Nederland Dialysis for their loving care.

A graveside service for Mr. Riley will be 1:00 p.m., Monday, December 21, 2015, at Oak Bluff Memorial Park, 101 Block Street, Port Neches, under the direction of Broussard’s, 505 North 12th Street, Nederland.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Riley’s memory to American Heart Association, P.O. Box 841125, Dallas, Texas 75284.