Walter Riley II Obituary

Walter James “Jim” Riley II, a most beloved son, brother, nephew, uncle, and friend, was born on April 4, 1968, at Iowa Methodist Medical Center to Dr. Walter J. Riley of Milan, Georgia, and Mrs. Carolyn L. Riley of Nashville, Tennessee.

Jim attended Woodlawn and Greenwood Elementary Schools, Callanan Junior High School, and Dowling High School before graduating from Theodore Roosevelt High School. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in business from Upper Iowa University.

Jim was born with severe allergies that caused significant asthma, dietary restrictions and limited his activities. He overcame these restrictions early in his life; and his family credits the National Jewish Hospital in Denver, Colorado, with saving his life and making his dreams more attainable.

Jim became an avid skier, scuba diver, and in his later years, a semi-pro cyclist. He loved music and was known as a jack of all trades, due to his willingness to help neighbors and friends in need.

Jim used his gifts as a great athlete and communicator to give back to his community. He was a YMCA cycling instructor, a Dream Team mentor for RAGBRAI, and a 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, which encourages everyone to become a cyclist.

Jim’s professional career spanned many industries and companies in Des Moines including at Hotel Fort Des Moines, Kyle’s Bikes, Dr Walter J Riley, MD, PC, and TMC Trucking.

Jim passed away unexpectedly on Friday, January 3, 2025. There are not enough words to express our sense of loss.

Jim was surely greeted in paradise by his father: Walter James Riley.

Jim precedes his mother: Mrs. Carolyn L. Riley. Sisters: Arlita (Tony) Powell, Dr. Janice (Dr. Rodney) Burt, Angela L. Riley, and Dr. Linda M. Riley. Uncles: Ronald (Ronnie) Pillow of Nashville, TN, Oliver (Vera) Pillow of Des Moines, IA. Aunts: Gwendolyn (Tommy) Williams of Memphis, TN, Rosalyn (Earnest) Joyce Of Nashville, TN, Jewel Walker of Nashville, TN, Vanita Cole of Douglasville, GA, Joyce Pillow, Nashville, TN, Eva (Counsel) Wilcox of Warner Robins, GA. And many nieces, nephews, loving extended family, and devoted friends.

Jim will forever be celebrated for the love and joy he brought into our lives. We have a sense of fullness in our hearts for having known and loved him and are forever grateful to God for the time he gave us with Jim.

To make Jim proud, we will continue to live life to the fullest, trusting God, and letting love be the driving force in all that we do. Until we meet again. . .

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. A reception / repass will be back at the church after the committal.


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