Surrounded by his loving family, James B “Big Jim” “Pops” Riley, 76, of Peabody, died Tuesday November 30 at the Beverly Hospital following a brief illness.

Born in Salem, he was the son of the late Phillip H and Gladys M. (O’Connell) Riley. He was a graduate of St. Mary’s High School in Lynn, class of 1962. He has lived in Peabody four the past 38 years and was employed with Eastman Gelatin for over 38 years in the maintenance department before retiring 16 years ago.

Known for his huge personality and heart, his compassion for others was clear & unwavering. It brought him so much joy to support the Salvation Army "Adopt a Child" at Christmastime that he'd ended up adopting a family instead. He spent several years as a volunteer with Hospice of the North Shore, now Care Dimensions, always speaking fondly of his "friends" and appreciating the time he spent with them. He was always as quick with a joke as he was to lend a hand to anyone who needed it, whether he knew them or not. He was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus in Salem.

Jim is survived by his son, James Riley and his daughter, Sandra Boule, both of Danvers, his sisters, Kathleen and her husband James Kowalski of Salem, Janice Knudson of Beverly, and Barbara Maribella of Salem, his beloved 6 grandchildren, Jacob, Matthew, and Brian Boule, Jimmy and Jack Riley, his grandaughter, DeAnna Woods, his longtime friend, Sandra Lavoie and his “best bud” Dave Tracchia. He was predeceased by his son, Jason Woods, his brother, Phillip H. Riley, Jr. and his brothers-in-law, Darrell Knudson and Jeff Greene.

Visiting hours will be held on Sunday 2:00 – 5:00 PM at the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St, Peabody and his Funeral Service will be on Monday at 10:00 AM at the funeral home to which relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Burial will be in Cedar Grove Cemetery, Peabody.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to Care Dimensions, 75 Sylvan St., Suite B-102, Danvers, MA 01923.