James A. Melley Sr., 89, of Florida, formerly of Manchester, the husband of the late Margaret (Evans) Melley, died Sunday, February 10, 2008, at Hartford Hospital. Born in Coaldale, PA he was the son of the late James Joseph Melley and Anna (Kusko) Melley. James served in the Merchant Marines during WWII, and was a past president of both the Manchester Country Club and the East Hartford Rotary Club. He was also a member of the Manchester YMCA Board of Directors, was instrumental in the building of St. Bartholomew Church in Manchester, and was treasurer of their Legion of Mary for twenty years. James developed and owned a professional office building at 150 North Main Street, where he conducted his business Standard Educators Inc., which evolved into a nationwide business. He donated the funds to build a dining facility for young girls at the Catholic Girlstown Orphanage, in Kerala, India, in loving memory of his wife, Margaret. He was an avid golfer and tennis player. He is survived by his children and their spouses James Melley Jr. and Carolyn of Manchester, Barbara Semino and John of Manchester, Michael Melley and Pauline of St. Basile, Quebec, Canada, Matthew Melley and Nina of El Cajon, CA., Mark Melley of Vernon, Philip Melley and Inhe of Clarksville, TN., and Robert Melley and Paula of Boynton Beach, FL.; his grandchildren and their spouses Michele Melley, Kimberly Simpson and Alex, Gregory Semino, Carl Semino and Marie, Sonya Conrad and Chris, Michael Melley, Patrick Melley, Marieve, Katherine Bertrand, Jessica Melley, Gregory Alaimo and Jennifer; and four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings Link Melley and Mariane of Jupiter, FL., Larry Melley and Anne of Bethlehem, PA., Nancy Martin of Jacksonville, FL., Faye and Dr. Michael Marino of Greenwich, and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral service will be held on Friday (February 15th) at 9:45 am from the John F. Tierney Funeral Home 219 West Center St. Manchester with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 am at the Church of the Assumption followed by burial in St. James Cemetery. Family and friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday from 4-8 pm.