James "Jim" Leon Colley, 85, of Pensacola, FL passed away on Monday, November 17, 2025, surrounded by his family after a short battle with cancer. Jim lived a wonderful and full life for family, community and others.

Jim was born on July 14, 1940, in Banks, AL, moving to Montgomery, AL in his early years. He later graduated from Robert E Lee High School where he was active in the drama club. After high school graduation he attended the University of Alabama. Jim proudly served in the US Air Force and was honorably discharged in 1962.

The love of radio was not a surprise to those that knew him. When he was a young boy, his favorite pastime was building radio station control boards with his tinker toys. By the age of 14 in 1954, Jim began his career in broadcasting working for a radio station which fostered his love of the industry. He was proud to host the regional game show, "Streak of Luck", for WCOV-TV in Montgomery, AL while he continued as sales manager for its sister radio station. His radio career as an on-air personality and in sales across the SE US continued for the next 25 years.

Jim began his long-time residency Pensacola, FL, after moving here in February 1980 at which time he was proud to launch a new radio station, WOWW 107 FM, bringing it to the #1 radio station the first ratings period for the Mobile/Pensacola market, and he later managed WCOA AM/WJLQ FM.

In 1993, Jim began his career with RCS, formerly Radio Computing Services, and remained a dedicated employee for over thirty-two years, as its Southeast Marketing Manager. He recently announced his planned retirement at the end of December 2025 at the age of 85 and was honored by his company at the annual sales meeting in Mobile, AL.

Among his numerous service positions and accolades; Texas Association of Broadcaster's Associate of the Year award August 2025, President of the Pensacola Association of Broadcasters in 1982. Also, after the forming of West Florida Advertising Council, Jim served as President for two terms, 1982-1984. In 1985, Jim was awarded the Medallion for uncommon caring in a community by the City of Pensacola, FL. In 1993, Jim received the Silver Medal Award to honor his outstanding contributions to advertising and furthering the industry standards, creative excellence, and responsibilities in areas of social concern. Jim was an advocate for broadcasters statewide and was a mentor to many who entered the broadcast industry. Jim also served on numerous public service boards. Jim was known in the industry as a true Southern gentleman and generously gave of his time to numerous social causes in the Pensacola area.

Jim's family will remember him for his care and generous support of family and others. He could be found cheering on his favorite team, the Atlanta Braves and would be watching or listening if they were playing (Jim and his wife shared many travels, among their favorites were Kauai, HI and St. Thomas, USVI. In his downtime he was an avid reader and could be found in his favorite chair reading James Patterson books with his faithful companion, Ted-E.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Leonidas Littleberry Colley and Annelle Hudson Colley, as well as, uncle and aunt, Bill and Sue Hudson.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of fifty years, Lora Hudgins Colley; and their four children, Tracy Huett (Ray), Rene Coker (Lillian), Tommy Robbins (Maura) and Angela Colley; eight grandchildren; fourteen great grandchildren; his brother, Wayne Colley of Montgomery, AL; as well as numerous nieces and a nephew.

Visitation will be held from 10:30am Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel, 2276 Airport Blvd., Pensacola, FL, until a funeral cortege departs at 11:00am for a Graveside service that will begin at 11:30am at Barrancas National Cemetery. Military honors will be accorded by the US Air Force.

RCS Video Tribute

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Vitas Inpatient Hospice Care, Sacred Heart Hospital, Pensacola, FL, Shriners Children's Hospital in St. Louis, or a charity of your choice.