Riley C. James
Son. Brother. Nephew. Friend.
Firefighter. EMT.
Celebration of Life In Honor of Riley James
Thursday
April 27, 2023
4pm / Blue Goose Event Center, Loomis, CA
Welcoming Riley back home.
Yesterday the James family welcomed Riley back home. Though not in the form we would have ever imagined, he is home sweet home. … READ MORE
1998
December 29, 1998 born to Kial and Katie James in Grass Valley, CA
From the moment he uttered his first word, “Firetruck,” Riley developed a deep and passionate love for anything that went “Roo-Roo.” As a result, he aspired to become a firefighter or a doctor.
2004-2013
Attended Nevada City School of the Arts in Nevada City, CA
During his childhood, Riley greatly enjoyed his elementary and middle school years, where he formed lifelong friendships and cherished his teachers. He excelled in academics, music, and art, and played a key role in bringing home the first Small Schools Division Championship for NCSA.
2013-2017
Attended Ghidotti Early College High School and Sierra College.
While playing football and basketball for Nevada Union High School, Riley was the president of the Key Club and started the Pre-Med Club. Additionally, he graduated with both a high school diploma and an AA degree.
2016
Stanford Medicine Clinical Summer Internship
During his time at Stanford University, Riley fully immersed himself in the study of medicine during his internship, with aspirations and dreams of becoming a Cardiothoracic Surgeon.
2017-2020
Graduating with a Bachelors Degree in Environmental Policy Analysis and Planning
Riley was admitted to UC Davis as a Neuroscience Biology major and became a member of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity located in Davis, CA.
2020
Internship at Fire Stations 43 and 44 in Penn Valley, CA
Stations 43 and 44 held a special place in Riley’s heart, as they were situated close to his favorite location: the South Fork of the Yuba River at Bridgeport. He cherished the time he spent in Penn Valley, CA.
2021
Graduated from Sierra College Firefighter 1 and 2 Academy
At this location, Riley thrived both intellectually and physically, alongside his soon-to-be firefighter peers. Although it was challenging, he thoroughly enjoyed his time there and relished the learning experience.
2021
Volunteer Firefighter at Madison Fire Protection District, Yolo County, CA
As with everything Riley did, it was “Full Send”. Riley loved his time at Madison working in a small, rural farming community within Yolo County, CA.
2022
AMR Sacramento EMT
Riley kept busy with a variety of calls and transportations of patients and enjoyed his time with AMR Sac.
2022
CAL FIRE Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit
Riley worked as a Seasonal Firefighter on the Mosquito Fire in Foresthill, CA, and became fully immersed in wildland dispatch. The thrill he experienced was truly exhilarating.
2023
AMR San Joaquin EMT
Riley transitioned into the major leagues of AMR’s busiest unit, where he worked as an EMT. The day he expressed his enthusiasm for donning his new Level IIIA Body Armor vest is one that will always be remembered, albeit we were a bit worried.
Rest in Heavenly Peace my Son. We will forever miss you.
It is with the heaviest of hearts that we mourn the passing of our son, Riley James
Riley James was a Sierra College & UC Davis Graduate, Stanford Medicine Intern, Cal Fire, EMT, Firefighter, First Responder and Gold Prospector.
Riley loved anything to do with Firefighting. His biggest thrill as a child was visiting the playground near the fire station.
Gold Panning on the Yuba River, his absolute favorite thing to do. Brought up to live a life of joy on the river.
Riley grew up with 4 younger siblings. He was known for the goofy videos and pics he'd send to our group and snap chats.
Riley at Deer Creek Falls. I loved hiking, gold panning and spending time with him. He was always my "go-to" model for outdoor photos.
Riley grew up watching his dad skateboard and like father, like son, he too took a liking to street skating.
In addition to being an avid outdoorsman, he loved backpacking with his buddies around Grouse Ridge.
Riley spent a lot of summers with his late "Papa Paul" at bullards houseboating and wakeboarding.
'Gold Miner Joe' was a favorite video game growing up. If he wasn't going to make it as a FF, he said he'd become a miner. Luckily, Riley got to enjoy both worlds.
Riley wasn't afraid to try new things. He excelled at the guitar and even did a 'solo performance' at the Nevada County fair.
We Believe in a Second Coming
While Riley wasn't deeply spiritual, we believe he loved and believed in our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
He discovered a sense of calm and comfort amidst the serenity of nature, which he attributed to the divine presence of God.
During Riley’s upbringing, he developed a strong affinity for the great outdoors. During his early years, I, his father, introduced him to the activity of Gold Panning and Sluicing along the Yuba River located in Northern California. It was an experience that involved digging under roots, maneuvering large rocks, and getting dirty while connecting with the earth that the Lord has bestowed upon us. Together, we took immense pride in discovering new spots, exploring crevices, and immersing ourselves in the splendor of God’s nature. We also enjoyed watching Gold Fever on the Outdoor Channel and, later on, the Gold Rush series on Discovery Channel, which fueled our passion for this activity even further.
Riley was fortunate to have a close-knit group of friends who shared his enthusiasm for Gold Panning and Mining. They spent numerous hours together outdoors, relishing in the joy of cooking over an open campfire, and delighting in the sights and sounds of nature and discovering the raw beauty of gold.
Riley James Celebration of Life
Celebration of Life Event
Thursday, April 27th, 2023 at 4pm
Blue Goose Event Center
3550 Taylor Road, Loomis, CA
Schedule of Events:
4:00-4:30 – Meet and Mingle, Open Bar and Food
4:30 – Commencement of Service
Chief Danny Renfrow Announces the Honor Guard for Presentation of Colors
4:40 – Scheduled Speakers and Open Mic
5:40 – Honor Guard Close and Last Call
5:50-6:50 – Mingle
7:00 – Flyover Farewell