Former state Rep. James Riley, a Democrat from Richmond Heights who represented part of central St. Louis County for 20 years, died Thursday of lung cancer.

Riley, 65, (left), a retired plumber, served in the Legislature from 1972 to 1992. He was known in the early 1980s for his work as chairman of the House Consumer Protection Committee. Among his other assignments over the years were chairmanships of the House committees on labor and energy.

His House career ended in 1992 when Joan Bray, now a senator, defeated him in the Democratic primary.

Here’s the funeral notice from today’s Post-Dispatch:

Riley, James N. fortified with the sacraments of Holy Mother Church, Thursday, June 11, 2009. Beloved husband of Merry Sandra Riley. Dear father of James W. and Blake (Connie) Riley. Loving grandpa of Brandon, Morgan and Miriam Riley. Dear son of Virginia and the late James A. Riley; brother of David, Mary and Robert; brother-in-law of Leslie Foott. Dear uncle, cousin and friend to many. James was a retired member of the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 562, former MO State Representative for 20 years from 1972-1992, former executive director of Capitol Improvements for the State of MO and a St. Louis County Plumbing Inspector. Services: Funeral from the SCHRADER Funeral Home and Crematory, 14960 Manchester Road at Holloway, Ballwin, Tuesday, 9:30 a.m. to Ascension Catholic Church, Chesterfield for 10:00 a.m. Mass. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery. If desired contributions may be made to National Shrine of St. Jude, 205 W. Monroe Street, Chicago, IL 60606 or charity of your choice. Visitation Monday 4-8 p.m. Friends may sign the family’s on-line guestbook at Schrader.com.