James Francis Reilly Sr.

James Francis Reilly Sr. passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 1 at his home in Granite Bay. As both engineer and father, Jim will be remembered as a builder. In his role as co-founder of JR Roberts Corporation, Jim built a number of large and lasting structures in the community, including Sacramento landmark Raley Field. At home he built a family, producing two daughters and three sons he was so proud to call his children. Jim was a New Yorker, born and raised. Growing up in Astoria, Queens, he excelled in school and sports. For the rest of his life he was famous among those who knew him for his talent in numbers and basketball. After graduating from Manhattan College with a degree in Civil Engineering, he moved west to San Francisco. From there he found his way to Sacramento, where he started a family and began his successful career in the construction business. He is survived by his loving wife of 32 years Joanne, by his five children Joan, Jennifer, James, Chris, and Jack, and by his siblings, Agnes, Jack, Mary and Dan in addition to many loving in-laws, nieces, nephews and friends. Everyone he met was an immediate friend, greeted always by his familiar handshake and a quick, funny joke. He was an avid golfer who spent hours on the range and enjoyed rounds with friends and family as often as possible. Off the course Jim applied his engineering skills to projects big and small, most recently a beautiful remodeling of his daughter Jennifer's kitchen. Above all, Jim enjoyed anything where family surrounded him. His genuine warmth and sense of humor always put people at ease, made them feel important, and inspired them to be the best they could be. Every corner of the universe he touched is brighter thanks to his presence. He will be missed greatly. A ceremony, open to all, will be held on Saturday, October 8, 4:00 PM at Bartley Cavanaugh Golf Course. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to the Cancer Research Institute.