John Bradford Riley |
| Posted 2009-08-19 by Judy Wight Branson |
| The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona Monday, August 17, 2009 John Bradford Riley, born Jan. 11, 1938 in San Pedro, Calif., was promoted to Glory on Aug. 15, 2009 at the age of 71. He was surrounded by his family, who were his greatest joy, and was ushered peacefully into the loving arms of his Savior, Jesus Christ. John is survived by Barbara Riley, his treasured wife of 49 years; son John B. Riley Jr. (and wife Monica) of Phoenix, Ariz.; daughter KayAnne Riley of Prescott, Ariz.; and daughter Jennifer Riley Lefforge (and husband Scott) of Coppell, Texas. He is also survived by his Mother, Mary Riley, of Durango, Colo.; and his sisters, Patsy Cameron of Lakeside, Calif. and Kay (and husband Griff) Griffith also of Durango; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was blessed with and is survived by his seven grandchildren, Toby, Tim and Brooke Riley of Phoenix, Emma Riley of Prescott, and Will, Matt and John Lefforge of Coppell, Texas. John will be most remembered for his love of Christ, which he expressed through his relationships with family, friends and all who knew him. His humor, wit, intelligence and sparkling personality will be sorely missed. While plagued with health problems for more than 30 years, John still led a satisfying life full of joy, adventure and service to others. He was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the USAF in 1960 through the ROTC program at San Diego State University. He met his wife Barbara Ann Davis while in college and the two were married Sept. 3, 1960 at Moore Airbase Chapel in Mission Texas, where John was in flight training. He graduated with distinction from Squadron Officer's School in 1965. He resigned his commission as a Captain in 1967 after serving more than seven years as a B-47 and B-52 pilot with the Strategic Air Command. He immediately began flying as a second officer for Continental Airlines based out of Los Angeles, California. He and Barbara raised their young family in Huntington Beach, Calif. where they were active in the Lutheran Church and also served as Lay Administrative Couple for Lutheran Marriage Encounter. In 1977 he was transferred to El Paso, Texas where he served as assistant Chief Pilot for Continental. Shortly thereafter he was promoted to Chief Pilot and transferred to Houston, Texas. While in Houston, John developed Type I diabetes, which led to his medical retirement from flying. In 1984 John relocated his family to Scottsdale, Ariz. and went to work for Sperry (now Honeywell) in Phoenix as a manger in their commercial flight systems division. While working for Honeywell, he and Barbara had the distinct pleasure of traveling around the world together. They were blessed to enjoy many business trips and especially enjoyed their visits to London, Germany, Ireland, Portugal and Singapore. During their 17 years in Scottsdale, John and Barbara were very active in Scottsdale Bible Church and spent many years teaching Precept bible studies. He retired to Prescott in 1998 where he began his second career as a volunteer, serving Prescott People Who Care, Hospice Home Care, Sharlot Hall Museum and The Prescott Chamber of Commerce, where he delighted in giving tours of the downtown area. He also served as an instructor in the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Yavapai College where he specialized in history and computer courses. John Bradford Riley truly was an officer and a gentleman. His family will celebrate his life each and every day until they are united in heaven. Private services will take place at a later date in accordance with the wishes of the deceased. In lieu of flowers, John's family requests that donations be made in John's name to the Community Pregnancy Center (www.yourlegacy.org) of Prescott to celebrate John's life by helping save the lives of the unborn. Please visit www.hamptonfuneralhome.com to sign John's guest book. Information provided by survivors. |
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