Jim L. Manley

August 28, 1951 – July 5, 2026

Funeral services for Jim L. Manley, 74, of Athens, will be held on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Peck Funeral Home with Bro. Michael Gunter officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing.  Pallbearers will include Keith Manley, Matt Napier, Christian Manley, Allen Tinnon, John Michael Hall and Mike Hall.  Military Burial will follow at Somerville Church of God Cemetery.  Visitation will be on Wednesday from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Peck Funeral Home.

Jim was preceded in death by his father, John Albert Manley, and his mother, Doris Newman Manley Brown.

He is survived by his wife, Nora Sue Muzzey Manley; son, Keith Manley (Cynthia); daughters, Susan Manley Hall and Kelly Manley; sisters, Mary Betterton and Susi Turri (Robert); and six grandchildren, Meghan Morgan, Christian Manley, Elizabeth Chojnacki, Karl Chojnacki, Myra Manley and John Michael Hall.

Jim proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam era.  He continued his commitment to public service as a deputy for the Madison County Sheriff's department.  Jim joined the Alabama Army National Guard, 109th Evacuation Hospital unit, and served in the Gulf area, along with his son, during Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm.  His dynamic personality and ability to relate to others earned him the role of First Sergeant for his unit.  After 23 years of service, Jim retired from the Army National Guard, having attained the rank of Sergeant First Class and awarded numerous military medals.  Jim dedicated many of his later years to the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) where he eventually held the position of State Commander.  He was a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association (NRA), and a strong advocate for our nation's Constitution and its principles of liberty and freedom which make the United States of America such a great nation.

Jim earned his law degree from Birmingham School of Law and combined his legal knowledge with his passion for real estate by owning and operating the Buyer's Agent Real Estate Company.  He also shared his expertise as an instructor of Real Estate Law at Calhoun Community College.

Jim was known for his patriotism, dedication to service, and unwavering commitment to his family and community.  He will be remembered as a loving husband and father, and a cherished grandfather.  His legacy of service, leadership, and love will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Pallbearers will be Keith Manley, Matt Napier, Christian Manley, Allen Tinnon, John Michael Hall and Mike Hall.