James Burton Riley
June 6, 1998 - December 8, 2023
James Burton Riley – treasured son, dearest older brother, much-loved grandson, nephew, cousin and friend – died in his family’s arms on December 8, 2023.
James was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico and grew up in New Mexico, Nevada, and Davis County, Utah. He lived in Salt Lake City, Utah for most of his adult life.
James was a gentle soul. He had a gift for seeing the beauty and nobility in the people around him.
He had a huge heart for his family and friends. We all loved being around James because he was fun, wicked smart, and so funny, but also because he had a kind and easy way of letting people know that they were perfectly great just exactly as they were. He was good at making new friends, and even better at really loving the true friends he already had.
James loved to learn and had a drive to see and experience pretty much everything this world had to offer. He loved art and devoted much of his time, energy, and focus to creating beautiful and meaningful work. James pushed through intense health problems to complete a bachelors degree at Weber State University. He will be honored later this month as the semester’s Outstanding Graduate in BFA Photo/Video Emphasis.
The last three years of James’s life were plagued, but not defined, by an aggressive brain cancer. He faced one loss and challenge after another with astounding courage, tenacity, and grace.
James is survived by his parents James M. “Mike” and Laura B. Riley; grandparents, James L. and B. Sharon Riley and Janice M. Burton; and by his devoted sisters who he loved more than anything – Abbie, Emma, and Grace Riley. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Robert C. Burton and by his beloved dog, Maggie.
James’s family is forever grateful for his dear friends. Our deepest thanks to every one of you for all the love and adventure you brought to his life.
Thanks also to James’s awesome care team at Huntsman Cancer Institute and to his dedicated professors at WSU.
Funeral services will be Saturday, December 16 at 10:30 a.m. at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 S 900 E, Millcreek, Utah, with a viewing prior to the services from 9:00-10:15 a.m. He will be laid to rest at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Salt Lake City, Utah.
In Loving Memory
My deepest condolences to Mike, Laura, and all the family on the passing of James. I only met him once in person but I saw him as a very compassionate and considerate person. I lost my wife last year so I know first hand the deep and devastating loss of someone you shared your life with. I really wish I could have seen him again at another Riley family gathering. Please tell them I love them and I mourn with you all. God bless and give you comfort.
Dearest Mike, Laura, Abbie, Emma, and Grace- I cannot find the words, but here I am, typing anyway. Because it matters that we try. And so I clumsily type and tell you how much I love you all. How deeply I love you all. How deeply I love James, and how deeply these last three years have shaped my world. I've only been on the periphary of your lives, but the impact of this decidedly terrible, profound, beautiful, sacred journey you've all faced with uncommon love, hope, devotion, and dignity upon my own life is transformative. I will forever be blessed and changed. You are in my most fervent prayers for peace and light and the most joyful memories of James to flood your hearts and minds forever. Love, Aunt Jen
I don't really know what to say other than James was a signal of youth and freedom. He truly loved his friends, and found light in the darkness of life. I have a very fun and special memory of being rambunctious together, yet he always had a sort of knowing to him. I genuinely can't believe he's gone, his brain had so many thoughts to form. Ideas to discuss. Thank you for letting me enjoy your light James. It made me a better person. The world didn't deserve you, I hope you are stardust now. Thank you for it all, buddy. I can still hear you laughing.
I studied photo & video at WSU alongside James. I was privileged to be able to take classes and work on projects together; to study abroad together; and to call James my friend. He always cheered me on. He celebrated me and encouraged my writing and videography, giving me the courage and confidence to be vulnerable and daring with my work. We both made really weird stuff - and I've found that the people who can understand and resonate with my work tend to be the most kindred of spirits. James saw me on a level that not everyone sees. He was always willing to venture down to deep, artistic cores full of emotion and authentic expression. I think he lived there, haha. Every interaction I had with him was so genuine and enjoyable. We shared in the frustrations and joys of our craft, and I am so honored to call him my friend. James, I'm so happy to have known you. Thank you for taking the time to sit with me in the present moment. I am honored by your appreciation of and enthusiasm for my work, and I can say emphatically that the artistic appreciation is mutual. I'm so glad you came to Venice, and that you decided to live in Berlin and experience traveling abroad for as long as you did. Your perspective on artwork (and life as a whole) both affirmed my own and inspired me to look beyond what I was already seeing and take on new ideas and perspectives. Your life view was so expansive. Thank you for sharing your work with me, with all of us. You made a damn good thesis project. We both fought so hard for our degrees, and you especially went through hell and back to get it. I am so proud of us!!! Love ya, man. You are already missed. - Addie <3
Man! We loved that tall, lanky, bushy-headed teenager that was our friend and neighbor!! We always knew there was something special about him! Thank you for sharing his light. Sending love and condolences.
Mike, Laura, and family, I am so sorry for your loss! It sounds like James is a pretty amazing guy. I would have liked to meet him in this life. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families during this extremely difficult time.
I met James during my time at Weber, and got to know him through our classes together. We could talk about anything from tattooing to sculpture to bagels, and I always enjoyed the time I got to spend with him. He was smart, sharp, funny, and incredibly kind. He gave me my first tattoo! Getting to know James was an honor, and getting to see him work on his art was amazing-- he was so passionate and made such gorgeous and meaningful work. I remember that he and I had to interview each other about our bodies of work once, and I wad struck by how deeply he cared about his craft, and how well he could articulate what his art was about-- he was wise beyond his years. And I still think of his Weber thesis work often, and how special that exhibit was. I'll miss you so much, James. Thank you for being a good friend, and, more than that, a good person. You have made my life better by being in it, and I'll carry a piece of you with me wherever I go. I know you are so so loved, and so so missed. My deepest condolences to the family.
I met James studying abroad in Venice Italy. We became friends on the trip and saw each other only a handful of times afterwards, but he would always greet me with a hug each time we did. I miss listening to his crazy stories and how he would paint such a vivid picture of an experience with words. I always admired his work and how determined he was to create even when it was difficult for him to hold a pencil, he would always find a way.I'm so glad we met. I miss you James.
Dear Mike, Laura and family, It is with a saddened heart, but a strengthened love for family that both Kory and I send our condolences to you. Praying for strength to endure and peace during this time. Love always, Kathy and Kory Kelly
Dear family, I've always admired James' connection to his family, his sisters, his mother and his father. I knew James intimately and his family only briefly, and have only been positively moved by my experience with you. I share many beautiful memories with James, and have always had a place in my heart for him. I will think about you often as I imagine how difficult it might be to lose your big brother, and son. James was the most special person in my life for a period of time, and for that I am so grateful to you. Thank you. -Ava
Dear friends, I can't tell you how sorry I am for your devastating loss of that wonderful son. What a beautiful person to have come into your life and then to leave so soon. I wish we had had a chance to get to know him.
In Loving Memory
