James Cooper Riley, Sr
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Sep 29th, 2018
- Death Date: Sep 29, 2018
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Biography: James Cooper Riley, Sr. died on September 29, 2018 after a battle with Alzheimer ?s disease. Cooper was born on August 14, 1935 in Greenville, Mississippi and grew up in McGehee, Arkansas. After graduating from McGehee High School, Cooper, who was also known by his classmates as Buddy, was accepted to Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri where he received a Bachelor?s of Architecture degree. He was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity and was thrilled his son followed in his footsteps. After completing his degree, Cooper attended naval officer candidate school in Newport, Rhode Island. Once his tour of duty with the Navy was completed, he returned to Little Rock, Arkansas. Cooper worked as a registered architect for the Cromwell Firm for 48 years and adored every minute of it. He sat on the firm?s board as Sr. Vice President, was project manager for many major Army and Air Force projects. He had his hands in many projects around the state including Lyon College and Degray Lake Resort State Park Lodge. He also worked on the design of Westover Hills Presbyterian Church as well as his own church, Saint Mark's Episcopal. During his career, he was honored to serve as president of the Arkansas chapter of the American Institute of Architecture. Cooper continued to serve his country as a naval reserve officer. All of his hard work paid off and after years of Saturday morning training duty, he earned the rank of Naval Captain. Cooper loved life and never met a stranger. He loved hosting parties, was a fantastic cook and could make a mean Bloody Mary. He looked forward to his morning crossword puzzle, loved a good political discussion, and had a wicked sense of humor. His love of the Lord was unshakeable. He was very active in his church and served as Sr. Warden of the Vestry, consulted on the arts and architecture committee, and the columbarium committee. Cooper was preceded in death by his parents Cooper and Beatrice Welch Riley, his two sisters, Joyce Riley Zook and Ouida Riley McGehee, all of McGehee, Arkansas. More than anything else in this life, he cherished his wife of 51 years, Eva Park Riley, who survives him. He is also survived by his daughter, Elizabeth Riley Selzer and her husband Doug of Dallas, Texas; his son Cooper Riley, Jr. and his wife Melissa of Little Rock; five grandchildren, Alan and Riley Selzer and granddaughters Olivia, Rachel and Sarah Cooper Riley who affectionately called him Pop. Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 3, 2018 at Saint Mark's Episcopal Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Saint Mark's Episcopal Church, 1000 North Mississippi, Little Rock, AR 72207 the Alzheimer?s Association of Arkansas. Arrangements are under the direction of Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com
I was saddened to read about your loss. All of our family has such fond memories of your family across the street on Country Club. I always remember Cooper as a quiet, smiling, gentle person. I am grateful to have known him and had your family in our lives for that time.
My condolences to you and your family. I?m very sorry for your loss.
Linda Brown
I have such wonderful memories of Cooper. He was a gentleman and a wonderful friend. My love to you Eva and God bless you,
Mary Healey
With sympathy
S Willis
We are so sorry about the lost of your beloved husband Cooper. He was such a guiding light for your family. We will miss seeing him when next we are in Little Rock. Our prayers are with all of you. Such a fine man.
Norm and Sandy Klopp
I remember our childhood shared and the fun times I had at your house. Your mother and dad were such sweet, good people. Still in my memory are the times we swam in the fish pond with the gold fish, and the unique ?oriental head? at the top of the stairs bannister. Always interesting to me.
We are all getting old now. I hope that you will have some very good days ahead. Fondly, Margie