James & Marlena Kackley Obituary (1947 - 2022)

Kackley, James Lee and Marlena Lynn James Lee Kackley and Marlena Lynn Kackley both passed away in Dallas, TX after 44 years of marriage. Lee died on December 9, 2022, and Marlena followed exactly a week later, on December 16. Lee was born on August 21, 1942, in Texarkana, TX to Jane Holloway and Arthur Earl Kackley, Jr. He was a natural athlete and quickly developed a love for all things baseball, playing at Oklahoma State University and Sam Houston State University, as well as the minor leagues. Later he channeled his passion for sports into coaching his children. Lee enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1967 and achieved the rank of First Lieutenant, serving in Army Intelligence and later with the Army Reserves. Lee was never short on details, whether recounting a long-winded story, filling up sticky-pads with notes, or naming all the presidents in ascending and descending order. He had a huge heart and taught his children that kindness, manners, and gratitude mean everything in life. Marlena was born on March 27, 1947, in Wichita Falls, TX to Marion Lillian and Marcus Traverse Reiners, and grew up in Fort Worth. She was a born entertainer, a rhythmically gifted singer and dancer who could play guitar, piano and harmonica all by ear. During one of many summers spent in Yellowstone with her family during her youth, she was “discovered” and featured in a Seventeen Magazine article. Marlena loved hunting for antiques and spending time at their mountain house in New Mexico. She had a great sense of humor and an adventurous spirit. She could engage in lively conversation with anyone anywhere, including truck drivers on her CB radio. Lee and Marlena met when he interviewed her for a job and offered a choice: “Either you can have the job, or we can date.” Marlena chose the latter, and shortly after they were married. Together they enjoyed spending holidays and vacations with their extended families and dear friends. Lee is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Arthur Earl Kackley, III. Marlena is preceded in death by her parents and survived by her sister, Marcy Craig. Lee and Marlena are survived by their daughter, Jane Holloway of Dallas; their son James Reiners, his wife Caroline, and their children James Russell and Waylon Lee, all of Denver. A memorial service will be held for Lee and Marlena at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 5, 2023, at Highland Country Fellowship in Dallas, followed by a reception.