Jack Riley

Jack W. Riley """"Mr. Jack"""", age 81 and a resident of Long Beach, died Wednesday, July 23, 2008, in Long Beach at the Chapman Oaks Nursing Home with his family by his side.
Mr. Jack was born in Pawhuska, OK. His father, Thomas M. Riley, a race horseman, and brother were jockeys. The family traveled all over Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Texas to race horses. Mr. Jack also traveled with the carnival and circus at the early age. When WWII broke out Mr. Jack was 13 and went to work with his brother, Henry, at a shipyard. Jack joined the navy at the age of 16 and served in WWII in the Pacific on the U.S.S. Puttnum, where he fought in the battles of Okinawa and Iwo Jima. After a brief period, Mr. Jack went into the army as a first lieutenant in the Korean War for two tours and was awarded the Bronze Star while serving on the front line. Before the Korean War, Mr. Jack was stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas where he met Violet. After courting and romancing her, even after he was sent to Puerto Rico. They were married August 12, 1953, in Fort Riley, Kansas.
In 1967 Jack and Violet moved to the MS Gulf Coast where he continued his entrepreneur pursuit. Along with his brother-in-law, Milo Marsh, opened Milo's Pizza. Soon after, they opened Mr. Jack's Pizza in Long Beach, Orange Grove, Ocean Springs, and Gulfport. He also had the Chicken Dipper in Long Beach on Klondyke Rd. In 1968 Mr. Jack and two partners opened the Animal Kingdom on Beatline Rd. and Railroad in Long Beach.
In 1977, Mr. Jack retired from the restaurant business. He obtained a degree from JDJC (MCCCC) in A/C & refrigeration repair and went to work at Memorial Hospital for his enjoyment. In 1983 Mr. Jack and his two son's Mark and Kevin Riley opened Mr. Jack's Pawn on Broad Ave. Six months later they purchased Long Beach Pawn. In 1989 Mr. Jack and his son's cut the ribbon for DAD'S SUPER PAWN on Hwy 49 in Gulfport. In 1991, Mr. Jack and Violet retired once again and began traveling the U.S. in their motor home.
Mr. Jack was a member of the Army Reserve at the rank of Captain, past president of the Chamber of Commerce, Grand Duke of the Long Beach Carnival Association, a member of the B.P.O.E. #978, American Legion, and the VFW.
Mr. Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Mattie Riley, 4 brothers and 2 sisters.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Violet B. Riley, daughter, Michaelia Dee Riley and son-in-law Larry Green, of St. Louis, MO, son John Markwin Riley and daughter-in-law Christine Riley, son J Kevin Riley and Kim Riley both of Long Beach; nephew Alan Riley of Jackson; 9 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild, and many other loving relatives, employees and friends.
A Memorial service will be held Monday, July 28, 2008 from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. with the Elk's service being held at 10:45a.m. at the RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 19130 Commission Rd. Long Beach. Burial will be at Biloxi National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials be made to St. Thomas Catholic Church, P. O. Box 1529, Long Beach, MS 39560.
A guestbook may be signed at www.riemannfamily.com