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.