by the Long Island Chapter of the American Council of the Blind of New York
When the members of the Long Island chapter of ACBNY returned from the state convention which they had just hosted, they received a great shock. Jim Riley, a long-time chapter member who had originally planned to attend the convention, had died very suddenly at the age of 48.
Jim lived in Brooklyn, N.Y. He traveled every day to Manhattan where he worked for a major bank as a computer programmer, a job that he had held since the late 1970s. Jim was very knowledgeable about computers and in his spare time would often help his friends if they were having computer problems.
Jim had other interests too. He enjoyed collecting old-time radio programs which he listened to on his Walkman while riding the subway to and from work. He also liked country-western music and his favorite TV program was “Buffy, The Vampire Slayer.”
Every year, Jim used a part of his vacation to attend the ACB national convention. He was also treasurer of his local chapter for several years.
During the last few years, Jim’s life had become complicated by increasing problems with his vision. Jim went through several eye operations including cataract surgery and a cornea transplant which involved the new procedure of using stem cells to help decrease the possibility of rejection. Jim faced these situations very bravely, including the disappointment when his vision did not improve as much as he or the doctors had expected.
Although he was kind of shy, Jim enjoyed making people laugh. He was always coming up with jokes and puns and an occasional prank to amuse everyone.
Jim is survived by his mother and brother. We will all miss him.