Joe Pat Riley

Joel Patrick Riley, age 74, of Irving, Texas, died Thursday, January 2, 2025 in Irving. He was born December 1, 1950 in Muleshoe, Texas to Claude and Evelyn (Nickels) Riley and grew up in a close-knit family.
Joe Pat graduated from Muleshoe High School in 1969 and attended the University of Texas at Austin. He had a long career in the agribusiness sector, working with Valley Grain Products Inc, a leader in the snack and Mexican food markets. He started with the privately owned company immediately after the Muleshoe production facility was built. Later, he moved to Madera, CA, where he was asked to oversee the production of multiple factories after his close friend and boss passed away suddenly. Joe Pat played a key role in the success of Valley Grain, specifically the Masa Division, which was purchased by Archer-Daniels-Midland and later Azteca Milling. Joe eventually moved back to Texas, spending the balance of his career working as a Sales Manager with Azteca Milling which afforded him an opportunity to travel extensively.
Joe Pat was a beloved single father who loved his kids and grandkids dearly. He was independent, easygoing, and had a quick sense of humor, with a soft spot for anyone in his life who was down on their luck. Though he lived in different places and traveled to many countries, he always considered West Texas his true home. He cherished the time spent with his lifelong friends from Muleshoe and his close circle of friends in Dallas, sharing stories, laughter, and plenty of good-natured ribbing over his beverage of choice, Coors Light. He loved to read, watch sports and westerns, reminisce, and tell a good story, always making friends wherever life took him. To those who loved him, Joe Pat was a steady presence and a constant source of love and support. His warmth, humor, and love for family will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who knew him.
Joe Pat is preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Evelyn Riley. He is survived by his son, Allie Riley and husband Edward Frigola of Los Angeles, California; his daughter, Burnley Riley Jaklevic and husband Mike Jaklevic of South Deerfield, Massachusetts; his three grandchildren, Chloe Jaklevic, Liam Jaklevic and Declan Jaklevic; his brother, Mike Riley and wife Marilyn of Lubbock, Texas; his half sister, Faith Seguirant and husband Justin of Honolulu, Hawaii; his two nephews, Lincoln Riley and wife Caitlin and Garrett Riley and wife Lindsay; and several great nieces and nephews as well as a large extended family whom he loved dearly.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be sent to Make a Wish Foundation, 1702 East Highland Avenue, Suite 400, Phoenix, Arizona, 85016, https://wish.org/ or the charity of your choice. Condolences may be made at www.ellisfuneralhomes.com.