James E. Riker

1946 - 2017

RIKER James Elwin Sr., 70, died of lung cancer at home with his family on March 17, 2017. Jim was born October 26, 1946 in NJ to Walter Knapp Riker, Sr. and Margaret J. Riker. He played trumpet in a US Navy Unit Band, completing two Vietnam cruises on carriers Constellation, Coral Sea, Oriskany and food supply ship Mars; he later served at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. He married Carol Allyn in 1966. They moved to Jamestown, NY, where Jim graduated from Jamestown Community College in 1971 and then to Lexington where he graduated from UK with a Bachelors in Music Education in 1974. Jim worked as a substitute music teacher and then in auto parts. Most of his career was spent with Standard Business Machines as a service tech, then parts manager. He retired in 2015. Jim loved music and sang in the Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church choir. He was active in Boy Scouts and with Henry Clay Marching Band. Jim was a model builder and could always be found in his shop tinkering with something. He could make most anything work and if someone needed something, it was likely in his garage. He was family-oriented and loved getting together and singing. He was an inspiration to others and always willing to help others. Jim is survived by his wife, Carol; son, James, Jr; brother, Walter K. Riker, Jr. of Fairfield, Ohio; brothers-in-law Jeff and Greg Allyn of NJ; and nephews Walt Riker III of CA; Warne Riker of Nashville, Billy Allyn of CO; and nieces Peggy Sue Ortel of NY and Samantha Allyn of MA. Mr. Riker's life will be celebrated at 11am April 1 at Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church, 3534 Tates Creek Road, Lexington, followed by a visitation and lunch at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations to Bluegrass Care Navigators, Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church, Lexington Humane Society, or charity of one's choosing are requested.