B98.5 Hometown Hero – James Riley

A big Bee salute to our latest 'Hometown Hero' powered by HS Builders and the Red Barn.

James Riley

Retired veteran/loving father

Jefferson

James Riley is my father. On the 6th of September, 2013, tragedy struck the Riley household. My father passed away in the comfort of his home. My dad was a hero because he would of taken his own life to save someone else's, even a stranger. He was the kind of guy that if you didn't have the cash, he would hand it to you in a heartbeat. He was always helping my neighbors out every time they asked, he was the guy that knew everyone. He was 85 years old at the time of his passing and I couldn't be more proud. Ever since I was born my dad had on going health issues, a big one was in 2010 he had major open heart surgery and they actually lost him twice. But there was no way he was giving up. He's also a hero because my four sisters are only my half sisters and he took them under his wing and cared for them and my mom when no one else would. He didn't look at them as his step kids, he saw them as his daughters. There's one more heroic thing this man has done. My daughter, my sweet angel, Payten Grace Skidgel was born on January 21st, 2014 and heartbreakingly passed away 15 hours after birth. At the time of her passing, I felt my father's spirit in the room with my boyfriend and I. I know he was there to take my daughter up with him. Now I know my angel baby is safe with MY own personal hero.

Nominated by Taylor Riley