Born: July 27, 1932

Died: September 16, 2012

Services: A memorial service will be held Saturday, September 22 at 2:00 P.M. at the New Springfield VFW Post 2799-Triangle Post on East South Range Road in New Springfield.

Visitation: There will be no calling hours.

NEW SPRINGFIELD-James R. Riel, 80, passed away peacefully Sunday evening at his residence surrounded by his family.

James was affectionately known as (The Shadow) and (High Pocket). He was born July 27, 1932 in Youngstown, Ohio, a son of Paul and Bertha Schmidt Riel.

James served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, from July 1949 to September 1952, and earned the Occupation Medal (Japan) Korean Service Medal with Bronze Service Stars.

James married Joann Brabant on February 26, 1971.
He worked as a truck driver for over 50 years before he retired. He was a proud Teamster member. James went to the Police Academy and served as a Mahoning County Auxiliary Deputy Sheriff for over 10 years. He loved fshing, camping, the outdoors and playing Euchre.

James leaves his wife of 42 years, Joann; his four sons, Dan (Smitty)(Jeanie)Smith of Boardman, Robert (Mary) Riel of North Lima, Ted (Bomber) (Sue) Smith of New Springfield and John Riel of Newton Falls; six daughters, Carol Shoemaker of New Springfield, Cindy (Richard) Riel of Fresno, CA, Janis (Little Bit)(John) Kitchen of Petersburg, Pam Riel Roza of New Springfield, Lauri (Ray) Moss of New Springfield and Patti Riel Kosek of New Middletown; one brother, Richard Riel of West Liberty, Ohio, 17 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren and two extended family members who called him (Dad), Sue Grope of Canfield and Dee Anglin of New Springfield.

James was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter Cheri Stepan and two great grandsons, Michael and Tyler.

Location: Clemente Funeral Home, New Middletown (Map)

 Service Information