James "Jim" Maley, one of eight children born to Willard & Veda (Boland) Maley, was born November 26, 1952, in Norton, Kansas, and passed away at his home in Phillipsburg, Kansas, on March 11, 2023, at the age of 70.
He attended grade school in Edmond, Kansas, and high school in Lenora, Kansas, where he graduated in 1971. He went on to attend vo-tech in Goodland, Kansas, where he earned his certification to be an automotive technician. Upon graduation, he accepted a mechanics position with Matteson Motors in Phillipsburg, KS on April 16th, 1973, where he remained employed for over 45 years.
While in Goodland, Jim met Marilyn Wilson of Marienthal, Kansas, who he later married on May 19th, 1973. They settled down in Phillipsburg, KS, and had three daughters — Kerry, Angela and Amanda.
In his spare time, Jim enjoyed spending time with his family, helping friends with numerous projects and swapping stories over coffee.
He joined the Church of Christ in 1982, where he was baptized; and enjoyed weekly worship and singing. He was an active member, assisting with Sunday services and communion. His favorite Bible verse was John 3:16 “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
He is preceded in death by his father Willard Maley, sisters Joyce Maley & Judy Anderson; In-laws Hallie (Carrie Clarabelle) Wilson; both maternal and paternal grandparents; Brother-in laws Everett (Wanda) Wilson & Marvin (Delora) Wilson, Sister-in-laws Marlene (Frank) Riley & Alice Allen.
He is survived by his wife, Marilyn of the home in Phillipsburg; daughters, Kerry Markin of Phillipsburg, KS, Angela Maley of Mahaska, KS and Amanda (Ryan) Smith of Salina, KS; Grandchildren Matthew, Nathan, Elijah, Michael, Jordan, Alexis, Samuel, Brecklyn, and Brynlee; Great-grandchildren Maverick, Alana, and Leighlan; Mother Veda Maley of Hays, KS; Brothers Jan Maley of Norton, KS and Jerry Maley of Roseburg, OR; Sisters Janice Maley of Plainville, KS, Lanny Maley and Jolene Maley both of Hays, KS; Brother-in-laws Don (Kayla) Wilson of Phillipsburg and Melvin Wilson of Marienthal, KS; Sisters-in-law Mildred (Jack) Burch of Marienthal, KS, Lois (Jerry) Keller of Ellis, KS and Vona (Ray) Voss of Lakeview, AR, along with many nieces and nephews.
A private graveside service will be held at a later time. Memorial contributions may be given to KSU Center for Basic Cancer Research and the Church of Christ in care of the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel.