Jimmy Motley was born in Lanett, AL on March 16, 1941, to the late Wilmot Eugene and LaMerle Harrison Motley. He became a star athlete, named the Most Valuable Player in football, and voted Most Popular in his class at Lanett High School. He received several college scholarship opportunities before deciding to attend Troy State University in Troy, AL. There, he met and married the love of his life, Julellyn “Juju” Jones Motley, and began their lifetime support of the Troy Trojans. Graduating from Troy with a BS in Social Studies and Physical Education, Coach Motley started his teaching and coaching career in Cottonwood, AL, and soon after, moved to Columbus, GA to raise his family, and finish his 30-year career coaching P.E., football, baseball, and golf at Jordan High and Shaw High School.
He was most notably known as Jordan High’s head baseball coach for the 1971 Georgia State Baseball Champions. Coach and his players recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of their championship and more importantly, their love and admiration for one another.
After his retirement, Coach and Juju moved to Panama City Beach, FL where they pursued two of their passions, playing golf and being on the beach. They traveled and played numerous golf courses as Coach perfected his golf game achieving an astounding seven hole-in-ones. Returning to Columbus, Coach enjoyed watching his grandsons play sports, fishing, golfing, and being with his family and countless friends. He was a faithful member of Piney Grove Baptist Church, Fortson, GA.
Coach Motley lived his life just as he taught the thousands of young people to do so; to discover your purpose in life never wavering from it and pursuing it with all you have, to be a person of faith and integrity, and to always help those in need.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his devoted wife of 53 years, Julellyn “Juju” Jones Motley; and brothers Gene, David, Bob, and Larry. His survivors include his beloved daughters, Media Younce (Steve) of Fortson, GA, and Marla Merz (Phillip) of Santa Rosa Beach, FL; grandchildren Peyton Younce (Kinslee), Parker Younce, Harper Merz, and Hayden Merz; and numerous nephews and nieces.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 15, 2022, from 5:00PM to 7:00PM in the Chapel at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, Columbus, GA. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, December 16, 2022, at 11:00AM at Piney Grove Baptist Church, Fortson, GA with Reverend Mickey Adams officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.shcolumbus.com for the Motley family.
