John Thomas Motley

John Thomas Motley passed away on Monday February 3, 2025 at St Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City, Missouri. He was born to Lois Kathleen (Simpson) Motley and Basil Wayne Motley at St Joseph Hospital, Kansas City, Missouri, September 5, 1953. He was raised by his mother, grandmother Wilma Wilford, and grandfather John McClain. He had an older brother, Allen Wayne Motley (February 2, 1952-July 14, 2021). John described his older brother as, “the serious good brother” and himself as, “the fun and adventuresome brother.”

John grew up in Independence, Missouri and attended Columbian Grade School, William Chrisman Jr High School, and graduated from William Chrisman High School in 1971. He was active in high school sports including football, track, and wrestling. He attended Northwest Missouri State University for two years, where he played on the varsity football team and was a member of the Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity. After experiencing a serious football jury to his leg, he decided to leave college and pursue employment to financially support himself. He later attended Park College where he completed bachelor degrees in both Accounting and Business Management in 1986. He earned a Master of Business Management from Rockhurst University in 1994.

John’s first job was as a paperboy in Independence for the Kansas City Star. His paper route included Harry and Bess Truman. During his High School summers, he worked at the Crysler Stadium ballpark concession stand and Colony Paints at 18th & Crysler, Kansas City to help support his family. His first adult employment was at Armco Steel (1973-1988) where he completed a three-year Millwright apprenticeship program. After Armco closed, he became an internal auditor for the Marine Corp Finance Center, Department of Defense August 3, 1988. He later became assistant to the Director of Accounting in 1990 and eventually Director of Accounting Operations Kansas City. After the government relocated him to Cleveland, Ohio in 2007 he became Director of Departmental Accounting for the Marine Corps. When John retired in 2015, he was Deputy Director of Finance Operations and Director of Civilian Pay. During his years of employment, he received multiple work awards, including a United States Marine Corps Certification of Commendation for outstanding performance of duties.

Growing up, John attended Waldo Avenue Baptist Church. He was active in Boy Scouts and loved to tell stories of his experiences at summer camp. John was an avid KC Chiefs fan and was forever proud of attending the first regular season game at Arrowhead Stadium in 1972. He had a quick wit, a sharp sense of humor, and a quiet warm loving demeanor. His work ethic was to be admired. John had an amazing memory. For example, if you asked him what military plane the U.S. Air Force flew in 1947, he would immediately answer, “the North American F-86A Sabre.” He often listened to music, especially that of the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. John’s life was an expression of fulfillment in the pursuit of honest work, good citizenship, and respect for others. He was a large man at 6’2’’ with a big heart. John loved his family. He was a good husband, father, and grandfather to his cherished family members. He took pride in coaching Damon’s little league games and rarely missed his High School or college football games. One of his favorite activities was horseback riding with Cindy and Christy. He shared a love of animals and always had a dog and a cat he considered his friends. He was a loyal friend.

He leaves his wife, Cindy Lou (Cox) Motley, whom he married May 31st, 1975. They created two greatly loved children: Damon Christopher Motley of California, Missouri and Christy Nicole Motley of Lee’s Summit, Missouri. Damon and his wife Lisa provided him with three much loved grandchildren Amelia, Ava, and Easton Motley. He was preceded in death by his mother, father, grandmother, grandfather, and brother.

A memorial service and celebration of his life is to be held Saturday, February 22 at 1:00 in the afternoon, at Carson Speaks Chapel 1501 W. Lexington Avenue, Independence, Missouri 64052. The family will greet guests for visitation between the hours of 1:00-2:00 pm, with services beginning at 2:00 pm. He will be laid to rest at Woodlawn Cemetery in Independence, Missouri. In lieu of flowers or gifts, please help us celebrate his life through donation to the National Wildlife Federation. nwf.org/enjoywildlife