The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

James Joseph (Jim) Molley Sr., 94 of Orange, passed away Monday, Nov. 24, at the Meadows Nursing home in Orange. He has fought the good fight and is now with his heavenly Father, in the company of the many friends and family that have preceded him.

Jim was born Feb. 25, 1920 in Orange, to Joseph James Molley Sr. and Victoria (Mazzu) Molley. He attended Lutcher Stark High School and was active in sports. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps. in Oct., 1942. He trained in Eagle Pass, before being stationed in Oahu, Hawaii. He was honorably discharged in Feb., 1946.

Jim returned to Orange and became a business owner, building and operating the Macarthur Courts Motel and Tower Restaurant and the Whang Doodle Restaurant and J&J Sporting Goods on the circle in Orange. Jim met the love of his life, Gloria Ann Brown and they were married on Nov., 28, 1950. This week would mark their 64th wedding anniversary. They built a wonderful life together and operated several businesses. The Molley family homes located where the Super Wal-Mart now stands were a gathering place for family and friends. Jim and Gloria were gracious hosts to dignitaries and celebrities as they traveled through southeast Texas.

Jim was a gentle soul with an unyielding love for his Lord and his family. He was a lifelong member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and a St Mary’s Knights of Columbus. He met no stranger and was eager to offer a helping hand. He had a special place in his heart for his pets.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife Gloria and his brother Joseph Molley Jr.

Those left to cherish his memory are, daughter and son-in-law Eva and Mike Magnuson of Orange; son and daughter-in-law James Jr.

and Vickie Molley of Silsbee; son and daughter-in-law Robin and Tanya Molley of Orange.

Grandchildren Gabrielle Thompson and her husband Tommy of The Woodlands; Lauren Poutra and her husband Blake of Orange; Mclain and Mikail Molley of Orange.

Step grandchildren, April Johnson and he husband Cole of Yantis, Josh Magnuson and his wife Rachel of Vidor; Ian, Evan, Aaron and Olivier Morris of Atlanta Ga.; Great grandchildren, Rylee, Ella, and Harper Thompson; Madding and Murphy Poutra; Lucas, Macie and Maddie Magnuson; Nikolas Johnson; and many nieces and nephews and friends.

Visitation will be held Sunday, Nov. 30, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange. Rosary will begin at 5:00 pm with visitation to follow. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am, Monday, Dec. 1, at St Mary Catholic Church in Orange. Officiating will be Father Joseph P. Daleo. Entombment will follow at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Orange. Serving as pallbearers will be Johnny Molley, Ronnie Puckett, Greg LeBlanc, Nolan LeBlanc, Josh Magnuson, Antoine Leblanc, and Stanley Copper.

The family would like to graciously thank the nurses and staff at The Meadows Nursing Home for the loving care they provided Jim during his last years.