Kelley, James

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James Kelley
Date Of Birth:May 28, 1929
Date Of Death:September 30, 2011
Service Date:10:00 am Saturday, October 15, 2011 at Seven Dolors Catholic Church

James Francis Kelley, 82, died Friday, September 30, at 6:35pm. He was surrounded by his family at the time of his death.

James was a life-long resident of Manhattan. He was born May 28, 1929 in Stockton, Kansas (Rooks County), the son of Frank J. and Mary Eileen (Gahm) Kelley.

He married Elizabeth Howley on April 12, 1964 in Smith Center, Kansas.

James served his country honorably in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict, stationed in Germany. He was a member of the American Legion, Post 17, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 1786.

On December 1, 1945, when he was sixteen, James began working for Kansas Hide and Wool. (Kansas Hide and Wool is now Steel and Pipe Supply.) At the time of his death, he was still employed by Steel and Pipe Supply. He began as a truck driver, picking up hides, wool and batteries. In 1956 he left the road and became the Warehouse Superintendent and was also in charge of operations. In 1974 he left the warehouse and began working in purchasing. He loved his new assignment, although he missed the warehouse.

Late in his life he continued to work some each day, primarily from home. Much of his work was done over the telephone. His final day of work was September 12, 2011.

James is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, of the home; one daughter, Mary Elizabeth Kelley Jackson and her husband Bill of Eudora; one son, Roger Francis Kelley and his wife Angie of Kansas City, Missouri; four grandchildren, Christopher William Jackson, Matthew Kelley Jackson, Wesley James Kelley and Abigail Elizabeth Kelley.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one older brother George and one sister Mary Kelley Voorhees.

It was James' wish to be cremated. 

A memorial service and mass will be held at 10:00am on Saturday, October 15, 2011 at the Seven Dolors Catholic Church. Father Joe Popelka will officiate. A rosary service will be conducted on Friday, October 14, at 7pm at the Irvin Parkview Funeral Home, 1317 Poyntz Ave. The family will greet friends following the rosary.

The family requests memorial contributions directed to the Manhattan Catholic Schools and the Home Care and Hospice House, Manhattan, Kansas.


  • From: Deboorah Chapman
    Location:Kansas City Burns & McDonnell

    Although I didn't know Mr. Kelley personally, I know his son Roger, Angie, Abigail and Wesley James. My sincere heartfelt condolences go out to Mrs. Elizabeth Kelley and the entire family. "You loved him most, but God loved him best." Deborah Chapman - Burns & McDonnell


  • From: Paco Gonzales
    Location:Kansas City - Burns & McDonnell

    The condolences and prayers go out to the entire Kelley family from the Gonzales family in your time of rememberance.


  • From: Pat (Taylor) Rogers
    Location:Wichita, KS

    Dear Kelly Family. I am so sorry to hear of "Kelly's" passing. He was a remarkable man. I worked with him at Steel and Pipe many years ago and he always had a smile and a happy whistle. He was very special. I was lucky enough to run into him in Dillons while I was working there a few times and he was still the same old Kelly. I have many fond memories of working with him. He loved his family very much as he glowed with stories of his wife and children always. I know that he will be greatly missed. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. With my deepest sympathy, Pat (Taylor) Rogers


  • From: Zoe Williams
    Location:Commerce, OK

    with deepest Sympathy and Prayers. Zoe (and mavis kitty)


  • From: Kelly Maynor
    Location:Talala, OK

    I met Mr. Kelley one time at our Coil Processing Division @ the Port of Catoosa. I got to visit with him several times on the phone and I always looked forward to those times. Mr. Kelley would always have a story for me of his early years but what stands out to me is how much he loved his family. He would always ask me "are you still on your honeymoon" and he would always tell me "never go to bed mad at your husband". I will miss my conversations with him. He was a good man and I am glad I got to know him the little bit I did. Please remember, our loss is Heavens gain. God belss you.


  • From: Mary Todd
    Location:Manhattan

    I am sad to hear of the separation of this truly loving pair. Liz and Jim will be two of the most beautiful angels in heaven. Godspeed, Jim. See you for the Rosary, Liz. Blessings. Mary