James L. Manley's Obituary
James L. Manley, (known as Jim), of Leesburg, VA and a native of Northampton County, NC entered peacefully into his heavenly home for eternal rest on June 10, 2025.
James was born on July 9, 1939 in Seaboard, NC, the son of the late Robert and Annie Mae Manley Faison.
James was married to his beloved wife, Phyllis Horton Manley for many years. They shared their lives together in their Leesburg home until she was called to her heavenly home in 2023.
James gave his life to Christ at an early age. Throughout the years, he attended First Mount Olive Baptist Church along side his wife. He attended Gumberry High School in Gumberry, NC. After graduation, he went into the U.S. Army serving in Korea until 1966 receiving an honorable discharge. James was decorated with military medals and awards for Good Conduct, Safety, Rifle Expert and National Defense Service.
James came back to North Carolina after serving in the military for a brief time before relocating to Virginia Beach. He worked in the hospitality industry and started his career as a Greyhound Bus driver. James advanced in his career to become one of Greyhound’s most outstanding bus driver safety instructors. He received safety accolades year after year.
James retired from Greyhound Bus Lines and formed the Greyhound Retirees Club. He loved his Greyhound bus drivers, which he considered as his extended family. He was the President of the Greyhound Retirees Club for many years. After retiring from Greyhound, he was employed at the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Mobile Lounge of Dulles International Airport in the role of supervisor until retirement.
James joined the Masonic brotherhood many years ago. As a Mason, his commitment to God, brotherhood, family, community, fostering lasting friendships and standing up for what was right was the core of James Manley.
James enjoyed working on special projects or taking road trips with his best friend, Donnie. You rarely would see one without the other. He enjoyed fixing up old lawn mowers and giving them away to friends and acquaintances.
James loved being outside looking for something to tinker with during his retirement.
Though Jim’s time on earth has ended, his spirit, wisdom, and love will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He respected all people. He was a man of few words but he was truly a gentle giant in his own right. If you were in his presence, you didn’t have to worry because you were safe. He was a great protector of many. His, was a life well-lived, and his memory will be cherished for generations to come by all who had the pleasure to know him. In his words, “It will be okay”.
James was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis Horton Manley and a brother, Buster T. Faison.
James leaves to cherish his memory one brother, Robert Faison Jr. (Shirley), sister-in-law Josephine Faison of Jackson, NC; sister-in-law Hope Horton Welch and brother-in-law Byron Horton of Siler City, NC; best friends for over 30+ years, Donald and Doreen Lucas, neighbors and caregivers. He also leaves to cherish his memory a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, friends and colleagues near and far.
Celebratory Services will be held on June 21, 2025 at T. L. Faison’s Funeral Care, LLC, 301 Park Street, Seaboard, NC 27876.
The Visitation will start at 1:00p with the Celebratory Service immediately following at 2:00p. Jim will be buried near his dear mother in the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church cemetery Rehoboth Rd, Jackson, NC 27845.
At Jim’s request, in lieu of flowers, please make donations to the following organizations in honor of James L. Manley.
Dementia and Alzheimer’s Association, Help fight Alzheimer's, LBDA.org to Honor Your Loved One – Lewy Body Dementia Association or mail to
Lewy Body Dementia Association, 8180 Greensboro Drive, Suite 100, McLean, VA 22102
www.heart.org or mail to the local American Heart Association, 4601 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 700, Arlington, VA 22203
American Diabetes Association or mail to American Diabetes Association's national headquarters located at 2451 Crystal Drive, Suite 900, Arlington, VA 22202
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