From Kyle's Bikes (Ankeny) FB Post:
As promised here are the details of our friend/crew….. Lots of the cycling culture knew him as Jim Riley.
I (Kyle) met Walter at UPS in the early 90s he was my supervisor. Didn’t take us long to be life friends all because of our bicycle passion. A few years later I asked him to be part of our crew/team at Kyle’s Bikes and he fit in so nicely. His ability to listen and care were great traits while helping riders learn about the world of cycling. Watch our FB for our store hours on Saturday, Jan 18th as we would all like a chance to say goodbye to our buddy.
~~~
OBITUARY
Walter James “Jim” Riley passed away, unexpectedly, on Friday, January 3, 2025.
He was a most beloved son, brother, friend, and companion to many. He was born April 4, 1968 at Iowa Methodist Medical Center to Dr. Walter Riley (deceased) of Milan, Georgia and Mrs. Carolyn Riley of Nashville, Tennessee.
He attended Woodlawn & Greenwood Elementary Schools, Callanan Junior High School, and Roosevelt High School.
He received his Bachelors of Arts degree in Business from Upper Iowa University.
Jim was an avid skier and cyclist. He shared these passions as a YMCA cycling instructor, a Dream Team mentor for RAGBRAI and volunteer for the National Sports Center for the Disabled in Winter Park, Colorado. He is the founder of The Major Taylor Cycling group in Iowa, encouraging everyone to ride.
Jim worked in many industries in Des Moines including YMCA, Hotel Fort Des Moines, Kyle’s Bikes, and TMC trucking among others. He established lifelong quality friendships and will be missed. Jim will be forever celebrated for the love and joy he brought into all of our lives.
Jim waits in paradise for his mother, Mrs. Carolyn Riley, sisters: Arlita (Tony) Powell, Dr. Janice (Dr. Rodney) Riley-Burt, Angela Riley, and Dr. Linda Riley. Along with many nieces and nephews and loving extended family.
Funeral services will be held at Corinthian Baptist Church, 814 School Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50309 at 10:30am, Saturday, January 18, 2025. The family will greet friends from 9:30am till his service at 10:30am. Burial at Glendale Cemetery, Des Moines will follow the funeral.