James C Risley

Life changed for the family of Jim Risley early Christmas morning of 2024 when he left earth to celebrate in Heaven. Although he always said "life isn't fair" and his long struggle with Stage 4 cancer proved him right, he never complained; he lived and loved the best he could as long as he could.
Born in Arkansas on May 12, 1949, the first son of Clarence and Frankie (Keen) Risley, the family moved to the Pacific Northwest when he was two years old. Both parents predeceased him, his wonderful Mom just months ago. He was an extremely devoted son, taking her on weekly Walmart excursions and out to lunch for many years. He is survived by brothers Bob and Gary who looked to Jim as the head of the family after losing their Dad in a boating accident many years ago. Oddly, all three continued to love the ocean and its gifts. Jim was an avid fisherman, with a 52-pound salmon he caught at the mouth of the Coquille River (and netted single-handedly) being his ultimate trophy. Friends and family often benefited (and helped) catch crab, dig clams and even land tuna (Casey and Titan Jones); beach and back-yard crab feeds were the best!
Jim started school in Washington, finishing his high school education in 1967 as a North Bend (Oregon) Bulldog. He then studied pinocle at SWOCC with friends Bill Reese and Tom Brown, before getting more serious about school and transferring to SOC in Ashland, Oregon, where he completed his bachelor's degree (after a break for National Guard duty) in wildlife biology; that passion continued his entire life, up to identifying and enjoying the multitudes of pine siskins that surrounded his home in his last days.
He met his wife, Sandy (Van Voorhis) at SOC and they married on March 24, 1971, nearly 54 years ago. They received the greatest gift of their life, daughter Raina, in 1978. Jim was always so very close to her and loved her with all his heart. He and Sandy devoted themselves to her horse habit for many years, with Jim often timing games (barrel racing, etc.) in the dusty Coos County Fairgrounds arena. He later was blessed with grandchildren Iyla and Brogan, sharing a deep bond with them and making unforgettable memories traveling to Disneyland, going on annual camping trips during their childhood, and even enjoying a family trip to Cabo this past June. Jim was so very proud of them. Raina and Sandy were at Jim's side when he passed. He also leaves behind his devoted dog, Harbor; Sandy promises to continue their River Walk excursions.
After college and several very odd jobs, he began a 30-year career with the Oregon Department of Transportation, working in Medford as a Surveyor, being transferred to Portland, and voluntarily settling in Coquille where he held a number of positions, his favorite being his last job as District Operations Coordinator. He developed and maintained numerous friendships, with everyone remembering him as a "great guy who always had a smile to share".
He and Sandy have had a wide variety of wonderful friends, including loved nieces and extended family members, often camping,. traveling and celebrating together. He tolerated/enjoyed Sandy's passion for music, attending many concerts over the years, including the Grateful Dead. Fleetwood Mac and the Rolling Stones!! Jim and Sandy also loved RV'ing and cruising, especially with the Reeses and Overstakes, lifelong friends.
Jim was a devoted Christian, joining Coquille Christian community Church over 35 years ago, serving as an elder and deacon along with numerous other duties (often with sidekick, Tim) right up until he could no longer physically do so. This church family and their prayers held both he and Sandy up through his long illness; we are forever grateful. He also served as a volunteer for several community organizations over the years. He never really retired! The support of the entire Coquille Community including our Ramblewood Lane Neighbors where he lived for over 45 years, has been, and continues to be, so very much appreciated.
This tribute to Jim could go on and on; suffice it to say we were blessed with the BEST son, brother, husband, father, grandpa, uncle, coworker and friend any of us could ever have had. LOVE IS HOW YOU STAY ALIVE, EVEN AFTER YOU ARE GONE (from "Tuesdays with Morrie"). So even if life (here) isn't fair and we miss you terribly, we will see you in Heaven "in the twinkling of an eye".
Jim's Celebration of Life will be held on March 22, 2025 at 11AM at Coquille Christian Community Church and perhaps continue, depending on weather, at Sturdivant Park in Coquille later in the day. Memorial contributions can be made to the church-or simply spend time with your loved ones somewhere outdoors that you love and remember him.
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