Jim and Linda Riley’s interment ceremony will be at 11 a.m. Jan. 21, 2026, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. The family will be hosting a reception the evening before on Jan. 20, 2026. Contact Riley’s niece, Jill Jelinek Cleveland, at 760-420-4833 if interested in attending.
Retired Lt. Gen. James (Jim) Clifford Riley was born Nov. 13, 1946, in Montebello, California, and passed away in Marana, Arizona, Feb. 25, 2024.
His loving wife of 52 years, Linda Jean (Axtater) Riley, was born July 10, 1948, in Stockton, California, and passed away in Marana, Arizona, Dec. 2, 2019.
Jim and Linda lived a life of faith, service and honor.
Jim began his active-duty military career Dec. 15, 1965, and retired July 30, 2003.
Two years after his retirement, he became vice president for Land Warfare Systems, Raytheon Missile Systems.
Jim served 38 years in the Army — one year enlisted and 37 years as an officer. He was an incredible soldier who rose from the rank of private to three-star general. He retired as commanding general of the Combined Arms Center at Fort Leavenworth.
Jim was awarded 17 medals and decorations for service and valor, including the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit and Bronze Star Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster.
Jim proudly displayed his Combat Infantryman, Airborne and Joint Chiefs of Staff identification badges.
Jim and Linda were stationed overseas nine times.
Jim spent 15 years overseas, with more than 11 years in Germany, two in Saudi Arabia and two in combat in Vietnam and Iraq.
Linda moved with him 23 times and created a beautiful place to come home to.
Linda supported the women and families at each installation where they were stationed, hosting and serving as the needs arose.
Jim commanded soldiers from platoon through corps assignments.
Jim was a phenomenal soldier, strategist and trainer.
Jim trained and prepared hundreds of thousands of soldiers for war, deployed with them and brought them home.
In summary: They loved the Lord. They were devoted to each other. They loved his soldiers and their families. They loved our country. They loved their family, friends, golf partners and his hunting dogs.
Jim and Linda’s legacy live on in the soldiers and their families whom they nurtured, trained and cared for.
God bless America. Thank you, Lord, for giving them to us.
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