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In memory of

James Hardin Lemley

Festus, MO, USA

August 15, 1938 - January 4, 2019

Aug 15, 1938 - Jan 4, 2019

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James (Jim) Hardin Lemley was born in Detroit, Michigan, to George and Violet Lemley. Jim is survived by his wife, Jocelyn Lemley, a younger brother, Frank Lemley and his wife Polly Ann and their daughter Tina of Cadillac MI. Jim was a devoted father and guiding light to his children and their spouses: Carol & Frank Huseby of Riverside, MO; Jim Lemley of White Lake, MI; Melanie Cook and Gary McRae of Brighton, MI; Wayne and Jennifer Lemley of Mesa, AZ; and Paige and Jason Lee of Clemmons, NC. Jim was very proud and loved to brag about his grandsons, Cody Lemley of Mesa, AZ and Jacob and Collin Lee of Clemmons, NC.

Jim joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1956 and during his time served was stationed in Asia, Germany and Hawaii during the Lebanon conflict. During his time in the Corp he became a First Sergeant and earned medals as a Pistol Expert, Rifle Expert and was an excellent marksman. Upon returning home he started his career with Fisher Body and General Motors, and raised his family in Detroit, MI. Jim loved to fish the Great Lakes and hunt in Canada, Montana and Wyoming. He turned his gunsmith hobby into a passion that he would spend countless hours researching, restoring and building firearms from all eras for friends and family members. He was a true artist as a gunsmith.

Jim was a Christian who followed in his father's footsteps and joined the Masonic Order where he achieved the rank of 32nd Degree Master Mason at his lodge in Detroit. He also was a "Dad" and mentor to scores of Jobs Daughters and DeMolay kids. He generously spent countless hours and years as a chaperone which he would fill his suburban full of kids and take them to all the various Masonic events all over the state of Michigan. The car was always full of laughter and love of each of the "kids" that were lucky enough to join the journey.

Jim used his GI bill to go back to school and became a Journeyman Electrician. He rose to the ranks of master elevator mechanic at the General Motors headquarters and Tech Center. He started and ran a successful business installing and repairing elevators and chairlifts before he retired from GM at the age of 65. Upon retirement, he and his wife Jocelyn, moved to Festus, MO where they built a house in the country where you could find Jim feeding the wildlife. They were active in their church and enjoyed traveling; including numerous road trips, camping trips and cruises.

Jim never knew a stranger and was and avid reader. He always was ready for a good military, historical or political exchange. Jim was so loved and honored. He will be deeply missed by all he touched, no one more than his family.

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We enjoyed visiting with Jim whenever he was here visiting Carol and Frank. A nice man and veteran who really represen…

We enjoyed visiting with Jim whenever he was here visiting Carol and Frank. A nice man and veteran…

We enjoyed visiting with Jim whenever he was here visiting Carol…

Have so many wonderful memories that I will cherish. Had the privilege to call this sweet, generous, loving man “Dad L…

Have so many wonderful memories that I will cherish. Had the privilege to call this sweet, generou…

Have so many wonderful memories that I will cherish. Had the pr…

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