James P. Motley, Jr. of Lansdale, PA (originally from Logan in Philadelphia), on February 8, 2020 after a brief illness. He was 75. Beloved brother of Joan M. Carr (Bob, dec’d), Christine M. Burd (Larry), Robert J J. (Jeanne-Marie), and Richard M (Jody). Preceded in death by brother John F. (Kate) and his long-time friend Peggy McVeigh. Loved by two generations of nieces, nephews, and cousins. Visitation on Monday, February 17that 9 AM, to be followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM, St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish, 51 Main St., Lansdale, PA. Arrangements by Simcox-McIlvaine. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Catholic Social Services of Philadelphia.
Brief Life Story
James P Motley, Jr. was born in the Logan section of Philadelphia. The son of James P and Mary R (Mitchell) Motley, he attended Holy Child Parish School and LaSalle College High School prior to graduation from LaSalle College in 1966. Jimmy, as he was known to his young friends, was an athlete and an accomplished musician who enjoyed playing classical music and jazz on the piano and clarinet.
Jim taught high school at Bishop Neumann High School in South Philadelphia for a few years after college prior to studying law at the University of Louisville. While there, he was stricken with schizophrenia, a chronic thought disorder of the brain that he lived with for the rest of his life. Despite his health challenges, Jim remained a generous, outgoing person who always greeted others with a smile. He lived for years in the Olney section of Philadelphia, where he was recognized by friends and neighbors as the informal “mayor of Olney.” He had a lasting friendship with Peggy McVeigh who also grew up in Logan, for more than 15 years.
As his health declined, Jim resided in one of the COMHAR group homes in Philadelphia for 13 years prior to moving closer to his family in Lansdale, PA in 2015. Frequent visits with family and visits to St. Stanislaus Church brought a lot of joy to Jim in his last years. He also enjoyed singing and listening to recordings of his favorite artist, Artur Rubinstein playing Chopin. Jim was well loved by the caring staff and residents at Harborview in Lansdale.
Jim is survived by sisters Joan M. Carr (Bob, dec’d), Christine M. Burd (Larry), brothers Robert J. (Jeanne-Marie), and Richard M (Jody), and two generations of nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother John F. (Kate) and his long-time friend Peggy McVeigh.
Visitation will be on Monday, February 17that 9 AM, to be followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM at St. Stanislaus Parish, 51 Lansdale Ave., Lansdale, PA. Arrangements by Simcox-McIlvaine.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Catholic Social Services of Philadelphia.
I was Jim’s roommate for one year (1969-70) in a dormitory at the University of Louisville. He was the consummate gentleman. His deep laughter was unforgettable. We kept in touch by mail for several years. I always wondered what became of him. For some reason, he came back to my mind today–don’t ask me why. I decided to check the internet, and his obituary popped up. May he rest in peace.
Joe, I remember seeing cards and notes to & from you in Jim’s papers. Jim was stricken with schizophrenia in 1971. He remained chronically ill for the rest of his life, losing his ability to hold full time employment in the late 1970’s. He never lost his “joy of life,” and welcoming personality. He lived in a group home setting for about 11 years, prior to moving closer to our home 5 years prior to his death. At that time, he was losing his short term memory. I learned so much from him, and he taught me to persevere through tough times.
Jim’s brother Bob
Hi Joe, Thanks for checking in. Jim came home from Louisville in 1971 when he developed a chronic behavioral health condition (schizophrenia). He lost his ability work full time by the late 1970’s. He lived independently wtih some family help for about 15 years, then moved to a group home setting for 13 years. He spent his last 5 years in a nursing facility near my home. He never lost his joy of life, and preserved his welcoming, outgoing personality. He continued to enjoy multiple genres of music, especially piano music by Frederick Chopin.
I hope I’m not a bother. Can you please tell me if this is the man who briefly taught school at Saint Raphael Elementary School in 1969-70? He was my teacher at that time.
The Mr. Motley I knew was an incredible human being.
Thank you!
St Raphael was in Louisville Ky.
Rebecca, yes that was Jim Motley. He was teaching by day and going to law school by night
I’m so very sorry to hear about Jimmy’s passing. My family and I are thinking of you all at this time and keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. We became very fond of Jimmy at Harborview. Our mother is a resident there and Jimmy always made us all feel welcome when we walked into the dining area. We will all miss seeing him and all his funny remarks that he said. “Shoe shine guy” and “your terrific”. There are many more. We will miss his smile and his laugh. So sorry for your loss, Sending prayers your way 🙏🏻❤️
Thanks very much for sharing your memories of Jim.
Bob Motley