Jacob Riley

Jacob Dell "J.D." Riley, 36, of Stamford, laid his burdens down on Thursday, August 22, 2024, in San Angelo.

J.D. was born on May 22, 1988, in Del Rio where he was placed directly into the loving arms of his parents Randall "Randy" Dell and Cecilia "CeCe" Owens Riley. Shortly after his birth, the family made their home in Menard County, where he was spoiled rotten by his many aunts, uncles, grandparents, and cousins.

Later the Riley three settled in the Anson and Stamford areas which they would call home for the remainder of J.D.'s childhood and early adult life. From an early age it was obvious J.D. would go on to excel at and enjoy sports. If it had a ball, J.D. was there. Football, basketball, or baseball, his passion for competition and gift of building comradery led to many long-lasting friendships as he emerged as a standout player.

Jacob Dell started his school career in Anson and remained there through eighth grade. After a family move, J.D. found himself as a Stamford High School Bulldog (Class of 2006)- longtime local rival of his former Tigers. Despite the contention, J.D. cultivated an invaluable circle of close friends from his at both schools. That brotherhood lasted the rest of his life. His support system was particularly helpful when his mother CeCe succumbed to cancer in 2006-his senior year.

BBQ cookoffs with his buddies, Texas country music on the radio, and fishing with his beloved Papa (Dell Riley) and dad were always favorite things to do. But J.D.'s primary pastime has never been a secret: it's all things sports. Friday Night Lights were rarely missed and Saturday College Game Days he watched and rooted for his Texas Longhorns. Sundays were for cheering on the Browns and the Broncos while analyzing the rest of the league. The Los Angeles Lakers were another favorite team to cheer and discuss, and the Spurs were a great topic to text back and forth with his Aunt Hedy. J.D.'s love of sports and stats may very well have financed the college tuition of his bookie's two children.

In September of 2009 J.D.'s dad Randy married Vicki Littlejohn. The union provided J.D. with the siblings he never had-4 sisters! Amber, Ashley, Allison, and April loved Randy and J.D. as their own. Vicki, J.D., the girls and their own families said their earthly goodbyes to Randy in February of 2024.

Jacob's burden of addiction and the time it robbed him of will never again be relevant in his new Heavenly home. The spectacular show of lightning near San Angelo as he passed from this earth assures us, he was gloriously (and raucously!) received by so many loved ones at the Pearly Gates.

Death is not the opposite of life; it is a part of life. We mourners he left behind will face sadness; however, we can take solace in the comfort that J.D. has now earned his peace.

Jacob Dell was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.

Left to cherish his memory are his first cousins and lifelong friends Tyler Wright of Menard (wife Paige; children O'Dan and Linah); Lori Rogers of Menard (husband Larry; children Logan and Layne); stepmother Vicki Riley of Stamford; step-sisters Amber Riggen and Justin of Brownwood; Ashley Martinez and Matt of Abilene; Allison Bigbie of Brownwood; April Locke of Brownwood; and the crew of his adored nieces and nephews: Colter Reed, Kenley Reed, Addie Olds, Cooper Bigbie and Aspen Bigbee.

Family and friends will celebrate J.D.'s life with a memorial service at St. John's Methodist Church in Stamford at 2:00 PM Sunday, August 25, 2024. A casual gathering in his honor will be held at Stamford Country Club, 7228 Golf Course Road in Stamford, from 3:00 PM until 5:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider volunteering your time or donating to your favorite charitable cause.

Jacob- today, and ONLY today; and only for you... we can all agree: Go Broncos!