Dr. James L. Conley

Dr. James L. Conley, a devoted Christian, educator, businessman and entrepreneur passed away on May 16th, at his home in College Station, Texas. He was 87 years old.
He was born in Toledo, Ohio, to Norman and Edna Hagen Conley. He grew up in Fostoria, Ohio, where he was confirmed at Hope Lutheran Church and graduated from Fostoria High School in 1955. During his high school years, he played football, participated in school plays, and was a member of many student organizations. Jim was nominated as a candidate for the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and had high hopes of becoming an Air Force pilot. Unfortunately, due to vision issues, his dream of becoming a military pilot did not come true.
He attended Capital University for one year, then transferred to Ohio Wesleyan University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Pre-Theology in 1959. He met his future wife, June Lowman, at the wedding of a mutual friend in Fostoria, Ohio. Three months after their first date, they were married at Hope Lutheran Church in Fostoria, Ohio. Their marriage was blessed with two children, Cheryl Lynn and John Bryan.
Jim continued his education by attending The Ohio State University and earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education. He taught high school students in Olentangy, Ohio and Junior High in Midland, Michigan.
In 1966, he received a NDEA fellowship from The University of Michigan allowing him to earn a Master of Arts degree in Education. He continued his education by earning a Ph. D. in Education from Michigan State University in 1968.
After receiving his doctorate degree he accepted a position in the Education department of Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL.
While there he became Director of Services and Research. He served as a visiting professor at Monmouth and Alma Colleges, the University of Northern Colorado and Central Michigan. He also directed numerous in-services programs for educators in Michigan, Texas, Colorado, Iowa and Illinois.
During the summer months of 1975-1978 he served as a tour guide for the National Education Association taking teachers to Australia, New Zealand, Egypt, Israel and Greece. With a colleague he co-authored a book entitled Interview Strategies for Career Development.
Along with three other educators they formed Professional Educational Consultants, teaching graduate courses to teachers working on their advanced degrees. While in Macomb, his dream of becoming a pilot finally came true. He loved to fly and became an instrument-rated pilot.
Jim was actively involved in the Delta Tau Delta Fraternity during his time at Ohio Wesleyan University. Later, when a new chapter of the fraternity was being established at Western Illinois University, he served as an advisor, helpful alumni and a member of the corporation board, helping to secure housing for the group.
He continued his dedication to the fraternity by serving on the Arch Chapter, holding key roles such as Secretary of the Karnea (the fraternity's national convention), President of the Northern Division, and Director of Academic Affairs. During his tenure, he established the Leadership Academy, developed its first curriculum, and taught several of its initial classes. The program proved highly successful and has endured for more than 50 years. Jim has been honored with numerous awards in recognition of his loyal and impactful service to the fraternity.
In 1978, after an 18-year career in education, he stepped down from his position at Western Illinois University to pursue a new path in the business world. He began working with Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company, taking on roles as an insurance agent, district manager, and estate planner. In 1979, during his first year with the Peoria Agency, he was honored with the prestigious Freshman Five award-MassMutual's highest recognition for the top five first-year agents. While living in Macomb, he was actively involved in the community as a member of the Rotary Club and Trinity Lutheran Church, and he also served on the Board of Directors for the McDonough Electric Power Cooperative.
In October of 1988, he and his wife relocated to Greeley, CO. He continued as a Mass Mutual agent in Greeley and was hired as the Director of Advanced Sales for the Denver Agency. He achieved agent of the year in 1990 and 1991. In the early 2000's he retired from Mass Mutual but kept busy with his real estate ventures and a small business.
While in Greeley he was a member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church and Greeley Wesleyan Church, Greeley Country Club, Rotary Club, Life Underwriters Association Greeley Senior Golf Club and served as a member on the Board of Directors for the First National Bank of Greeley.
One experience that he really enjoyed was being a Legislative Aide for Representative Tambor Williams for the Sixty-fourth General Assembly in Denver. He and his wife June enjoyed 31 years living in Greeley and living close to The Rocky Mountain National Park.
Jim's hobbies included golf, reading, solving Sudoku puzzles, collecting antique glassware made in his hometown of Fostoria, Ohio during the mid and late 1800s, collecting two dollar bills and coins.
Jim's life was centered around faith, family, and service. He led with strength, unwavering integrity, and deep compassion. Jim cherished time spent with his loved ones-whether gathered around the dinner table, attending family milestones, or offering wisdom and guidance.
He was the rock of his family, and his legacy of love, loyalty, and resilience will live on in the generations he helped shape. When health concerns arose, he and his wife made the decision to move to College Station, Texas, to be closer to their children and grandchildren. During the six years he lived in College Station, much of his time was centered around Christ Church, a congregation he held close to his heart. Jim had a deep love for the Lord and often expressed that his faith was the guiding priority in his life.
No matter where he lived, Jim was always an active member of a church-teaching classes, serving on committees, or participating on the church council. He also loved a good conversation, often engaging in deep philosophical discussions with anyone willing to debate politics, religion, history, sports, or books.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Norman and Edna Conley; his brother, Richard Conley; and his twin sister, Janis Conley Spooner. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, June; his daughter, Cheryl Conley (Robert) Bemis; and his son, John (Becky) Conley. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Tanner Bishop, Britten Bishop, Bryan (Myranda) Conley, and Lauren Conley; and his great-granddaughter, Berkeley Anne Conley.
The family will receive friends for a visitation at Hillier Funeral Home, 4080 Highway 6, College Station, on Friday, May 23, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
A graveside service will be on Saturday, May 24, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at Memorial Cemetery of College Station, 3800 Raymond Stotzer Parkway, College Station, TX.
A Celebration of Life will follow on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Christ Church, 4201 State Highway 6 South, College Station, Texas.
To view the family's memorial video of Dr. Conley, please visit this link, https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/j7gnnkmg4o8jawelzjsir/Memorial-Video.mp4?rlkey=78t11u38ub9uqcuejvldedge2&e=1&st=1m2bzs3k&dl=0
The family wishes to thank all the personnel at Guardian Healthcare and Amedisys Hospice for the loving care they provided Jim and June during his final days. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dr. James, please visit our floral store.