James Lanni Polley

The family of James Lanni Polley, age 80, is saddened to announce his passing on January 19, 2025. James was born on July 13, 1944, to Ed and Mary (Lanni) Polley in Henderson, Kentucky.

After graduation from Millington High School in Tennessee, where Jim was a member of the R.O.T.C., he earned a bachelor’s degree in business at the University of Memphis.  After college, Jim joined the United States Air Force. In 1969, he graduated from the Air Force, continued on to Hurlburt Field Air Force Base in Florida to train on the C-123 Aircraft. This led him to spending a year at Tan Son Nhut, Vietnam, flying cargo in the C-123. After Vietnam, Jim was assigned to Lockbourne AFB in Ohio where he instructed the Vietnamese to fly the C-123. 

After his time in service, Jim pursued his passion to become a pilot for an Airline. In 1973, he secured a pilot position for an up-and-coming cargo Airline called Federal Express. Starting with Federal Express, Jim flew the Dassault Falcon Airplane.  He then trained in the Boeing 727. He continued to fly the 727 until he retired in December 2002, where he settled in Annapolis, Maryland, with his wife, Brett.

In retirement, Jim enjoyed golfing, and watching the Blue Angels from his dock on the Severn River. Jim also liked to go boating on the Severn River. Over the years he had three boats. His last two boats were “Nightflyer I” and “Nightflyer II” which he referred to as the “GO FAST” boat!  Jim liked to vacation on the Gulf of Mexico in Destin, Florida. Having an eye for photography, he liked to take photographs of the nature of Maryland and the Chesapeake Bay.  Some photos were enlarged, framed and hung throughout his home. 

Jim is survived by his wife of thirty-five years, Brett Lynn Polley; his son, Steven James Polley (Missy), whom, in addition to his daughter, Lesa, he shared with his ex-wife, Lynn Beadles (Gary); brother, William D. Polley (Diane); and sister, Jane Jackson and her family.  He is also survived by his four grandchildren, Braden, Evan, Joy and Autumn. Jim is predeceased by his parents; and his daughter, Lesa Lynn Polley-Bledsoe, whom passed away in 1990 at the age of 23.

A private time of memory will be held in Jim’s honor at a later date. Those wishing to pay their respects and celebrate Jim’s life, are welcome to do so on this page. James Polley’s passing is deeply felt by his family, friends and those who knew him. He will be remembered as Captain Polley and may he “FLY WEST”.