James “Jim” Naum Riskovsky Sr., age 84, of Madison, IL, passed away at his home on Monday, April 7, 2025. Jim was born on December 1, 1940, in Granite City, IL, the son of the late Naum and Christine (Atanas) Riskovsky.
Jim will be remembered as a hard-working family man who never met a stranger. He was a talented and accomplished mechanic, who could repair anything. He owned and operated Riskovsky Automotive in Madison, IL., for over 60 years and retired in 2022. Jim was highly active in his community, and was a dedicated Alderman in Madison, IL, for 16 years.
He dedicated his life to helping people and making sure the City of Madison succeeded and progressed. Throughout his 65 years in business and 16 years as Alderman, he had the privilege of meeting hundreds of people and understood their needs and concerns. His community involvement and major accomplishments are far too many to mention, but he was most proud of serving as President of the Madison Lion’s Club, 3rd Vice President, Secretary, Zone Chairman, Leo Club Chairman for Lions of IL District lG and Deputy District Governor of IL. He organized the first Granite City Lion’s Club, as well as the first Leo Club (Youth Organization) in District lG. Jim also assisted in organizing the Pontoon Beach Lion’s Club. He received the Lion’s of the Year Award by the Madison Lion’s Club and was instrumental in organizing the Eye Donor Bank in the Gateway Regional Medical Center (formerly St. Elizabeth Hospital). Jim was also the first courier for the Eye Donor Bank in the Quad City area.
In addition to the Madison Lion’s Club, Jim was a member of the Elks Lodge and Bar Owners Association. Cars and motorcycles were his love and passion. Jim enjoyed drag racing, riding motorcycles, attending car shows and motorcycle shows. Over the years, Jim set numerous world records with his Little C Stocker, sponsored by Frawley Dodge, in the AHRA (American Hot Rod Association), in C stock automatic. He had more than 396 class wins and 286 money wins. In addition, Jim set a world record with his Dodge Dart in D stock automatic in the 1970’s. He also enjoyed going to antique shops, hoping to find something special. His greatest joy was spending time with his family and friends, whom he loved dearly. Jim will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.
In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his daughter, Judy Riskovsky-Keifer, grandson, Joshua Glaus, brother-in-law, Troy Powell, and his fur-kitty, Grayson.
Jim is survived by his loving sons, James (Sue) Riskovsky Jr., of O’Fallon, MO and Kristopher (Vanda) Riskovsky of Granite City, IL, dear sister, Helen Powell of Granite City, IL, proud grandfather to Crystal (Omar Abdullah) Glaus, Stephanie (Fred) Murphy Beyrau, Jessica (Rick) Riskovsky Whitehead, James Naum Riskovsky III and Liliana Riskovsky, proud great-grandfather to Arin (Haley) Murphy, Ryan Murphy, Jace Murphy, Alayna Marsala, Jaila Moore, Joseph Moore IV, Joy Moore, Immanuel Hampton, Micah Abdullah, Jude Abdullah and Finley Blanche Glaus, proud great-great-grandfather to Delilah Murphy and her, yet to be born, little brother, significant other and care giver, Alpha Meyers of Madison, IL, former wives, Pat Riskovsky of Granite City, IL and Vickie Wallace of Granite City, IL, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. The family would also like to express their appreciation for all the loving care and support provided by the Vitas Hospice team, Roxanna and Chuck Johnson, Jeaniia Burton, Maryanna Peterson and Matt Huelsmann.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Friday, April 18, 2025, and from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at Irwin Chapel, Granite City, IL.
In celebration of his life, the funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at Irwin Chapel, Granite City, IL, with Pastor Randy Vollmar officiating. Interment will be in St. John Cemetery on Nameoki Road, Granite City, IL.
Memorial donations may be given to the Riskovsky family. Donations will be accepted at the funeral chapel.
Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.irwinchapel.com.
