A bright light in our hearts has been dimmed, but it will never be completely diminished for we have so many many wonderful memories of our Jimmy as a husband, father, brother, brother-in-law, grandfather, uncle, cousin, friend and brother in the Lord.

James Robert Manley,Sr. known as Jimmy, was born on March 3, 1934 in Big Cedar Oklahoma. The beginning of his life didn't promise much hope for his survival. He was born prematurely and weighed less than 2 pounds. In 1934 without the modern technology we now have, his future looked pretty grim, however God had His hand on him. Jimmy's Granny Pugh put him in a shoebox and kept him in a chicken incubator they had on the family farm. She used handkerchiefs for diapers and by the Grace of God and Granny Pugh's love, he survived

Jimmy was always a worker from his early years on. While attending school he worked part-time at Coca Cola in San Springs and had a paper route his senior year of high school. He later worked at Seven-up in Big Springs Texas and graduated from Sepulpa High School

In the early 1950's, Jimmy and his mother Olive, came to California via the famous Route 66, to join his father who had come to California beforehand and had purchased a restaurant in Alhambra called "The White House Cafe". Jimmy had worked at the family restaurant and also attended Pasadena City College majoring in Art. In 1953 while he was working at the restaurant , Jimmy, then 19 years old, caught Sylvia's eye, she was 17 years old and entering into her last year at Alhambra High School. Sylvia graduated in 1954 and on November 4, 1955 Jimmy & Sylvia were married.

Shortly after Jimmy was inducted into the U.S. Army and trained at Fort Ord, Ca. and then was sent to Fort Lewis in Tacoma Washington. Sylvia joined Jimmy at Fort Lewis. Their first child, James Jr. was born in Tacoma. Jimmy was then sent to Korea to fight the war and Sylvia returned home to Alhambra. After serving in Korea, Jimmy returned to his family and a few years later Jimmy & Sylvia's daughter Marilee Michelle (aka "The Terror of Palm Street") was born. Thereafter, they purchased their home in Alhambra.

Jimmy worked at the Standard Felt Company in Alhambra for 25 years and later worked at the threads USA/Apparel Company until he retired.

Jimmy's last day on this earth was filled with the love of his life, his wife Sylvia by his side. They had shared a wonderful Thanksgiving Dinner with Sylvia's brother mike's in-laws.

How very appropriate that Jimmy died on Thanksgiving Day. We have many blessing to be thankful for and among them is our relationship with Jimmy. We will remember that Jimmy was dedicated to God and his family and friends. He was funny and loved to tease! When Jimmy gave, it was truly from deep wihin his heart.

Among the blessings, we are thankful that the lord gave Jimmy the strength to get his wife safely home that last day. Jimmy's main focus was to get Sylvia home safely and he did. We are thankful that Jimmy was able to die in peace knowing that once again he brought Sylvia home safely. He always took very good care of his wife Sylvia and it was important to him to safely get her home this one last time.

Our lives were enriched to have Jimmy involved in them. He was truly a character with a heart more precious than gold. Our Jimmy is now in a better place and there is no doubt that many welcoming hands of our previous loved ones who have passed on were there to welcome Jimmy to Heaven. God blessed us by bringing Jimmy into our lives and for that we are very very thankful!

Jimmys leaves behind his beloved wife Sylvia, Son James Jr., and daughter Marilee; with Grandsons Cameron, Conner, and Preston; brother Curtis Jr. Brother-in-law Michael R. Gomez and his wife Kathy; sister-in-law Arlene Ann Rush and her husband Terence; sister-in-law Barbara Phillips and her husband Bill; Joyce "jodddy" Scaramella - Matron of Honor at the marriage of James & Sylvia Manley and lifelong friend; nephew Rick Manley and his wife patty and their children; niece Robin Manley Haynes and her husband Randy and their son; and Godson Matthew Paul Cross and his wife Christina. Jimmy also leaves behind a multitude of loving extended family and friends.

This Memoriam is in lieu of a formal memorial sevice for Jimmy as it was his wish to be simply cremated. Our family thanks you for your thoughts and prayers and especially for opening your hearts to Jimmy and accepting him for the kind soul he was

God Bless!