John S. Riley
John S. Riley
John S. Riley passed away unexpectedly at his home in Salem, Oregon on March 23, 2025. John was born Sept. 23, 1965 in Jamestown, New York to Donald and Nola (Summerville) Riley. John grew up in Jamestown, graduating from Jamestown High School, Class of 1983. John went to work with his father at Crawford Furniture Company but John’s yearning for adventure soon sent him traveling across the United States and he settled in Albany, Oregon along with his brother Rick in 1985.
John met the love of his life, Jennifer Smith, in Eugene in 1986. After a myriad of jobs and moves, they were married in 1994 for over 27 years.
John leaves behind his children, Benjamin and Angeline of Salem, along with his best friend and mother of his children, former spouse Jennifer Riley. Also surviving are a sister, Laura (Richard) Seaholm of Jamestown; brothers Michael (Brenda) Riley of Jamestown, and Richard (Tami) Riley of Eugene, along with several nieces and nephews. As well, he is survived by our Aunt Peggy Summerville along with several Summerville and Riley cousins. John also had a large circle of best friends, and band mates he gathered over the years and whom will always remember him as a special friend.
Preceding John in death were his parents, Don and Nola, along with his in-laws, Barb and Gene. In 2022 his sister, Kathleen Riley, passed away and he was also preceded by many Riley, Summerville, Smith, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
John was a dedicated partner of the Jones family business since 1993. He was instrumental in growing the storage facility business, Security Storage, to the successful business that it is today in Salem.
John’s passions included music and working on cars. His current band was “A Stranger Mix”, although he played his guitars in different bands over his career. He aspired to play half as well as Jimmy Page and was always ready for the next set of Led Zeppelin songs.
One of his greatest joys was working hands-on in his auto shop and never happier than teaching his children the how-to of rebuilding or repairing classic cars. In fact, John restored cars, his favorites being his 1971 Volkswagen and the 1971 Volvo.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation.
There was a Celebration of Life held on March 30 at John’s beloved home attended by his immediate family and friends.
John and Kathy – Rest in Peace as you finally track down Sasquatch!
To leave a word of condolence, please visit lindfuneralhome.com.