James David "Duck" Corley

Born in El Centro, California on July 4, 1938, and passed peacefully September 7* 2024, at the age 86. James was raised in Early, near Brownwood, where he graduated High School and served as Drum Major. He served in the United States Air Force; he entered as a draftsman and spent time overseas including being stationed in Guam. During this time, he was also a proud member of the "Typhoon Goon's" that penetrated typhoons to get weather- related information on the storms.
He was a member of Van United Methodist Church for over 20 years and was a proud 32nd degree Master Mason for over 55 years, and member of the Colfax Lodge. At one point he was a very active member of Hella Temple Shrine Directors Staff. He worked in various industries during his lifetime, and owned a service business for 30 years.
Jim would want us all to remember him most for what he was most proud of: his success and time spent with family, friends, employees, entertainers, and singers, in a restaurant called "The Notorious Grapevine Steakhouse" in Grapevine, Texas in the 70's. He personally oversaw the building of this restaurant, and with "silent" investors, he was the hands-on owner/operator. It seated 354 people with 42 employees, a live band and dance floor. They served wonderful steaks and other great menu items. The whole environment was created by him - he sang, danced, and managed it. "Boss", as everyone affectionately called him, was in his element and loved every minute of it. The patrons widely varied, but included people such as "your next door neighbor", various Dallas Cowboys, Lawyer "Racehorse" Hanes, Evil Knievel, Lufu Roman, Roy Clark (Hee-Haw), Johnny High, Cheesi Childs, Dave & Sugar, Box Car Willie, Willie Nelson, Grapevine Opry entertainers and other famous Nashville Opry Stars. This was not in the Grapevine of today, but back when there were no cell phones, 3 burglar alarms in the whole town (the two banks and his), one flashing red light at main and hwy 26, and people asking "what made you come way out here to build a restaurant." Now, we all know, that his vision was way ahead of what was to come.
He is survived by his immediate family, including wife of 54 years, Patti; sons, James Corley and wife, Elizabeth, and Patrick Corley; grandsons Shelton Corley and Michael Corley (United States Coast Guard); granddaughter, Victoria Corley Talley and her husband, John, along with their daughter, Claire Talley; sister, Patsy Gray; and many more extended family members.
He was preceded in death by his father, Winfred Hanes Corley; mother, Edna Allene Robertson; and brother, Bobby Don Corley.
A military graveside will be held at 2:15 p.m. on Monday, October 21, 2024 at Dallas/Ft. Worth National Cemetery. The family requests that instead of flowers, memorials may be made in his name to: St Jude Children's Research Hospital, or Shriners Children's Texas.