James C. "Jim" Marley , age 88 of Elwood and Tipton County, passed away on Wednesday, January 29, 2020 at his residence following a long, fulfilling life on his farm.  He was born April 30, 1931 in Elwood, the son of William "Wayne" and Inez B. (Tolle) Marley.  Jim attended Curtisville School and later graduated in 1949 from Wendell L. Willkie High School in Elwood.  He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army following the Korean War.  Jim married the love of his life, Judith J. Frye, on March 29, 1953, and they shared 49 years of marriage together until her passing in 2002.  He worked in skilled trades and production at Delco Remy in Anderson for 46 years, and he was a member of U.A.W. #662.  Jim also farmed all his life with his sons in the operation of Marley Farms in Tipton County.  He loved farming, John Deere and antique tractors, national farm shows, and visiting the National John Deere Museum in Moline, Illinois.  He was a devoted member of the East Main Street Christian Church in Elwood where he had served as a Deacon, a Trustee, and member of numerous mission trips including a mission trip following Hurricane Katrina.  He was also a member of the Quincy Masonic Lodge #230 in Elwood for many years.

Jim was active in church functions on a regular basis and formerly served on several Great Banquet committees.  He was known for singing passionately in church - even if it was in his own key.  He and his family enjoyed many years of church camping trips to Lake Barbee, and he also had memorable trips to Yellowstone National Park and Branson, Missouri.  Jim proudly drove in his very first tractor pull at the age of 86.  He was an avid basketball fan, and especially liked watching Pacers, I.U., and Purdue basketball games.  Jim will be remembered for greeting everyone with a smile or a handshake; having a great sense of humor; and never knowing a stranger.  He will be greatly missed.

Jim's family includes 3 sons, Jeffrey A. (Tamala) Marley of Arcanum, OH, Daniel J. (Kimberly) Marley of Elwood, and David F. (Lori) Marley of Elwood; 9 grandchildren, Nathan (Brittney) Marley, Lucas Marley, Gabrielle Meyer, Abigail (Matt) King, Isabelle Marley, Danielle Marley, Joe (Ashley) Argabright, Jake Argabright, and Brooke (Josh) Inman; 7 great-grandchildren, Carolyn, Miles, Lucy, Vivian, Mia, Kayden, and Dalton; brother-in-law, Timothy Frye of Chicago, IL; beloved dog, "Blackie"; and several nieces and nephews.  Jim was preceded in death by both his parents; wife, Judith J. Marley in 2002; sister, Mary Masters; and great-granddaughter, Millie King.

A funeral service celebrating Jim's life will be conducted at 11:00 am on Monday, February 3, 2020 at East Main Street Christian Church in Elwood with Rev. Roger Gardner officiating.  Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park in Elwood and will include Military Honors by the U.S. Army and Elwood V.F.W. honor guard.  Visitation for family and friends will be held from 2 to 6 pm on Sunday, February 2, 2020 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood, and will include a Masonic Memorial Service at 5:30 pm.  There will also be visitation one hour prior to the funeral on Monday at the church.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the East Main Street Christian Church Youth Fund, and envelopes will be provided.  Online condolences and memories may be shared at copherfeslermay.com.