April 1947 – Sept. 2018
James Michael Poley passed away after a twenty-five year battle with Parkinson’s disease. Mike was born in Hernando, Mississippi to Hal and Fanny Poley. Mike enlisted in the Army and his training consisted of code of conduct, military justice and basic airborne training. Mike’s rank was a Specialist 4 and he earned the Army Commendation Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, National Defense Badge, Vietnam Campaign and Service Medals and a Parachute Badge. He was honorably discharged in 1968.
Mike started his career in Houston, Texas at Flour Daniel Construction. He was eventually transferred to Modesto to work on the Proctor and Gamble plant. When the plant was finished, Mike went to work at Lawrence Livermore National Lab and eventually became a full time employee. Mike continued his career at Lawrence Livermore Lab for over 23 years.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents and his two brothers, Hal and Tommy.
A Graveside Service with honors will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Monday, October 29, 2018 at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery, 32053 West McCabe Road in Santa Nella, CA.
Please share your memories at www.AllenMortuary.com.
Condolences(2)-
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Eric Frahm says
September 28, 2018 at 4:26 amI’ll never forget the first time I met James Michael Poley. I was working in the carpenter shop at Livermore Lab, when these two new employees came walking through the shop and into the supervisors office. After they talked to the supervisor James Michael Poley came out to introduce himself to me. Hi, my name is James Michael Poley. Only law inforcement personnel and bill collectors call me James, he said. You can call me Poley. He said the supervisor said we would be partners until he felt comfortable that he could work on his own. He said since we are going to be partners there are some things we need to talk about. We may have a different way of doing things it doesn’t mean my way was wrong. I agreed. He said sometimes if we disagree we might start to argue. I said ok. He said arguments can turn into fights. I said ok. He then told me that if it looks like we were going to have a fist fight that I shouldn’t run. It will only make it that much worse when I catch you. That was our first conversation and first good laugh together. That was more than 35 years ago and the time has passed so quickly. I will miss you Mike. You have left me with many great memories as we went through so many adventures together. May you finally Rest In Peace.
Laqueta Tomlinson says
September 20, 2018 at 3:18 pmOh how Mike loved to eat! Anything! He lived ice cream and I would take him to Baskin Robin’s often. One scoop chocolate, one scoop vanilla and chocolate syrup. He also lived Kentucky Fried Chicken and oh the mess he would make! I was Mike’s caregiver for a year and he always brightened my day! I always looked forward to my time with him! He lived gambling to a fault, but he had a big heart and was a gentle giant. I will always miss Mike. Thank you for the good times, the laughs, the good food and the extra 20 lbs!!