Michael J. "Jimmy" Riley

Michael J. “Jimmy” Riley Sr., 80, of Watertown, passed away Saturday, April 13, 2024, at Samaritan Medical Center surrounded by his closest family, Cindy West, Michael Riley Jr., Katie (Logan) Greene, Danielle Greene, Natasha (Bryan) Delaney and his beloved friend and caretaker, Anne Delaney.

Born on December 3, 1943, in Watertown NY, he was the son of Woodrow and Ethel (Hamblin) Riley Sr. Upon leaving school, at the age of 17, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corp. in September of 1961 and received an honorable discharge in April of 1966. He served during the Cuban Missile Crisis in October of 1962.

He was a dedicated construction worker most of his career, where his hard work and craftmanship left a lasting impact on the community. Unfortunately, he had to retire on a full disability, but his passion for his craft never wavered.

One of Jimmy’s proudest accomplishments was achieving sobriety in February of 1989, a milestone he reached after the birth of one of his granddaughters. His journey of resilience and strength inspired all who knew him.

Jimmy was a devoted family man who cherished spending time with his loved ones. He had a passion for hunting at his family's hunting camp, where he shared many memorable moments with his brother’s, grandsons, and close friends. He also loved bird watching, especially with his great granddaughter Shawna, who was a best friend to him, alongside his other special girl, Sydnee Leslie.

He is survived by a son, Michael J. Riley Jr. of Watertown, NY; three daughters: Lorrie A. Pond and her companion Rusty Simpson, of LaFargeville, NY, Patricia Wolfe of Adams Center, NY and Cindy A. West and her husband Shawn of Three Mile Bay, NY; his grandchildren, Katie Greene and her companion Logan Smith,  Danielle Greene and her companion Bill Leslie, Patrick Estepp and his wife Megan, Natasha Delaney and her husband Bryan, Matthew, Eric, Amanda, Loren, Louis, JayLeigh, Joey, Frannie and Cheryl; 26 great grandchildren; a brother, Woodrow(Barabara) Riley of Rougemont, NC; two sisters, Margaret(Darryl) Storey and Tina (Phil) Morrison both of Watertown, NY and many nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his parents, and his siblings: Marcia Lineback, Sally Patterson, Kathy Boak, Dorothy Ferguson, Tom Riley, John Riley, and Patrick Riley who died at birth, and a son-in-law, Richard J. Pond.

Calling hours will be held 4:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m., Thursday, April 18, 2024, at Johnson Funeral Home, Dexter.

 A funeral with military honors will be at 11:00 a.m. the following day at the funeral home. Burial will be at the convenience of the family in Dexter Cemetery in the near future.

Donations may be made to the Childrens Miracle Network, 830 Washington St. Watertown, NY 13601 or to Lyme Community Foundation 12030 NY 12 E Chaumont, NY 13622.

Online condolences may be made at www.dexterfuneralhome.com

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