James Michael Manley, Sr. was born July 12, 1912 in Pipestone County, Minnesota, the son of Edward and Katherine (Burch) Manley. He was baptized in Pipestone and confirmed in Willmar. In 1921, the family moved to rural Raymond. He attended District #77 through the eighth grade when he had to leave school to help on the family farm. In 1933, he left the farm and moved to South St. Paul to work for Armour Packing Co. In August of 1933, James was united in marriage to Bernadette Commerford. A daughter, Marlene, was born; and two weeks later, Bernadette died from childbirth. In November of 1937, James was united in marriage to Mary Arlene Commerford. This union was blessed with ten children and 59 years of marriage. In 1937, Jim and Arlene moved to Murdock and Jim started working for Murphy Construction. From 1951 - 1953, Jim went to Greenland to work for North Atlantic Construction, where he built air fields. When he returned, he again worked for T.F. Murphy and continued to work for the Murphy family for 53 years. Jim was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Murdock. Among the things he enjoyed were working in his shop, ice fishing, going to the casino, NASCAR races, and especially spending time with his family and grandchildren. Jim was called from this life on Saturday, January 16, 2010 at his home in Murdock. He attained the age of 97 years, 6 months and 4 days. Jim is survived by his children: Katherine (Jim) McGuire of Martinsville, IN, Donna Ray of Mora, Pat (Alfred) Arends of Eagan, Judy (Jim) Robertson of Cedar Rapids, IA, Jim (Vicki) Manley, Jr. of Alexandria, Jack (Judy) Manley of Pensacola, FL, Rita (Chuck) Manley Stellmach of Murdock, Jean (Brad) Ellingson of St. Michael, and Lois (Rick) Skaalrud of Hammond, WI; 30 grandchildren; 44 great grandchildren; and three great-great grandchildren; sister Ruth Manley of Atwater; and other relatives and friends. Preceding him in death were his wife Bernadette in 1935; his wife Arlene in 1996; two daughters: Marlene Johnson and Carol Reinke; his parents, Edward and Katherine; and his siblings: Frances, Mary, Hugh, Mike, Eddie, Katherine, Florence, Robert, Donald, and Vernon.
