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***********COL James R. Riley USAF-RET

> Our Chapter Past President 2001—2002
> Wichita Chapter, Military Officers Association of America

> The Wichita MOAA Chapter members were saddened by the
> death of Colonel James R “Jim” Riley, on 20 November
> 2009. Services were held 25 Nov 2009, at Smith Mortuary,
> Derby, KS, with interment at Resthaven Garden of Memory
> with full military honors.
> Colonel Riley – simply “Colonel” to the many who knew
> him, was a member of the Wichita MOAA Chapter for 20
> years, serving as President and on the Board of Directors for
> 15 years. He was also a member of the Daedalians, the
> Derby Lions Club for 20 years, serving as District Governor
> of 17-SE in 2004-5, and Boy Scout Youth Coordinator.
> Colonel Riley was a valued volunteer at the McConnell Base
> Pharmacy for 20 years.
> Colonel Riley was born in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was called
> to active duty as an Aviation Cadet in January 1943, earned

his USAF pilot wings, and commissioned a 2nd Lt in February 1944. He retired as a Colonel in April 1974.
He flew 22 missions as a B-24 pilot with 8th Air Force. After the end of WWII, he remained on active duty and flew a number of different aircraft, i.e. T-6, AT-11, AT-7, C-45, C- 47, A-20, A-24, B-26, and B-17 before joining the 55th Strategic Recon Wing.
He spent 17 years with the 55th flying world-wide recon missions for the Strategic Air Command, flying the B- 47’s. He served as Aircraft Commander, Instructor Pilot, Squadron Ops Officer, Squadron Commander, Detachment Commander, and Asst Deputy for Operations. His next tour of duty was at HQ, USAF, at the Pentagon, as Chief of Recon Division and Director of Operations, and promoted to Colonel. His next assignment was Chief of Reconnaissance Center, HQ US European Command, Germany. His last duty assignment was Chief of Recon, Collection Division, National Security Agency, Ft Meade, Maryland.
After his retirement from the Air Force, he worked as a Program Manager for Litton Systems, Inc., Greenbelt, Maryland for 16 years. His primary responsibilities were dedicated to the Electronic Receivers for the Space Programs.

Colonel Riley’s decorations include: Legion of Merit (with 1 OLC); Distinguished Flying Cross (with 1 OLC); Air Medal (with 3 OLC’s). He is a Command Pilot with over 6,800 flying hours. Colonel Riley has a BA Degree from the University of Maryland, and he was a dedicated “Terapin”. Colonel Riley will be remembered for his efforts to help win our last two 5-Star Chapter Ratings. His Legislative articles appeared in every Chapter Newsletter for the past several years. His duty was to keep our members and our Legislative personnel informed of our benefits, such as the Tri-Care for Life plans. Therefore, this month’s Legislative Affairs page is dedicated to Colonel Riley. From all MOAA members, our condolences to Roberta, his wife of 65 years; his children, Carolyn (Winn) Baker, Darien GA; Robert (Hazel) Riley, Ogden, UT; James R (Diane) Riley, Jr., Wetumpka, AL; grandchildren, James R (Julie) Riley III, Derby, KS; Capt USAF Michael Riley, Spokane, WA; 2nd Lt USAF Richard (Brittany) Riley, Vandenburg AFB, CA; step-granddaughter, Cantrell “Candy” Baker, Belize City, Belize Central America; great grandsons, Paul and Jett Riley, Derby, KS; brother John T Riley, Tucson, AZ; niece, Tina (Al) Kuenzle, Phoenix, AZ.

At times like this it seems so difficult to find a way to show the sympathetic thoughts that words can never say. Still, may it help to ease your loss and bring some comfort, to know that many caring thoughts are with you, Roberta, and your family.

Wichita MOAA Chapter Members