James Laverne Morley was born October 25, 1942, and died March 24, 2025, at age 82.  Viewing will be on Wednesday, March 26,2025 (1:00p.m.-9:00p.m.), Thursday, March 27,2025 (9:00a.m.-9:00p.m.) at Boxwell Brothers Funeral Home in Spearman.  A graveside service is scheduled for Friday, March 28,2025 at the Hansford Cemetery at 10:00a.m. with Rev. Billy Snider officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Boxwell Brothers Funeral Home of Spearman.

Jim was born to Horatio (Bud) Gray and Nellie Irene Morley in La Junta, Colorado. Upon his arrival, he joined his older brother, Don. Bud and Nell had initially planned to name their son Jimmy; however, because he was born in a Catholic hospital, they had to give him a biblical name. So James it was! When Jim was a toddler, Bud and Nell moved the family to Spearman.

From a young age, Jim was precocious and inquisitive. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and playing sports. Baseball was one of his favorite games during his younger years, and as he grew older, he coached softball and baseball for the youth in the community. He was passionate about sports and loved watching his children progress through school.

On July 29, 1960, Jim married Kathleen Villines Morley, and they were deeply in love. Kathy followed Jim, Don, and his wife Pat in their work in the oilfield, and they all briefly lived in Kansas during that time. Kathy encouraged Jim to return to Spearman so they could raise their family there. Their firstborn, Jamie Lynn Morley, arrived on May 27, 1961, followed by their second child, James Laverne Morley II, on April 24, 1964. Coming from a military family, Kathy made sure their children were not moved from town to town and school to school, as she had experienced. Both Jamie and Jimmy graduated from Spearman High School.

Jim taught himself to be a mechanic by reading old Model A manuals he had found in the dumpster as a youngster. He was always eager to learn new ways to fix motors and keep up with the latest automotive technology. Jim became one of the best mechanics in the area. He took great pride in his work and enjoyed helping those interested in learning.

When the children were young, Jim took up golf at the encouragement of his brother Don. Although he initially thought it was a "sissy game," he eventually embraced it and began playing frequently with Don. Jim became quite skilled and started winning consistently, which caused Don to lose interest in their games. Jim formed many lasting friendships through golf, although most of those dear friends passed away before him.

Jim and Kathy loved camping and square dancing together, spending many summers in Red River with friends dancing at the Community Center. He cherished his grandkids, great-grandkids, and great-great-grandkids, all of whom affectionately referred to him as Poppa Jim. He loved them all dearly. Jim was always eager to help anyone who wanted to learn how to play golf, and he was incredibly excited when two of his older great-grandkids expressed an interest in the game. He was thrilled when the youngest of his great-grandkids, known as the "King of Kansas," also developed a passion for golf. Poppa Jim proudly declared that the young one had a great swing for someone so little.

Jim is survived by his loving wife Kathy, daughter Jamie (Rex) Casdorph, son Jimmy, 3 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren. A brother-in-law, 2 sister-in-laws, beloved cousins, and host of nieces and nephews also survive him. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, his sister-in-law, mother-in-law, a brother-in-law, and a grandson.

Family suggests memorials in memory of Jim be to Panhandle Crisis Center or Coronado Health Care Center,1404 W. Kentucky, Pampa Texas,79065.