James B. Riley (July 25, 1894 – June 29, 1958) was a justice of theSupreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia from January 1, 1937 until his death on June 29, 1958.
Born inWheeling, West Virginia, Riley was the son ofThomas S. Riley, who would becomeAttorney General of West Virginia.[1] Riley attended the local schools in Wheeling andWest Virginia University before receiving aB.A. fromGeorgetown, andJ.D. fromColumbia University.[1] He served in theFirst World War, and practiced law inMarshall County, West Virginia.[1]
Riley was elected to a twelve-year term on the court in 1936, and reelected to another in 1948. ADemocrat, his death during the governorship of RepublicanCecil H. Underwood enabled the first change to the political balance of the court in 18 years.[1]
Riley died of aheart attack in his home at the age of 63.[1]
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| Preceded by | Justice of the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia 1937–1958 | Succeeded by |
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