James Ray Kelley's Obituary
James Ray Kelley, resident of Lakewood, Washington, passed away on December 20th, 2024.
He was born in Rudd, Arkansas on February 27th, 1931, to John Lawrence Kelley and Edith (Rockhold) Kelley, he was one of ten children.
He enlisted in the United States Air Force and serviced for twenty-four years, including many tours of England, and remote tours in North Africa, Alaska, and Vietnam.
After retiring from the Air Force he work on Rolls Royce engines in England, and Beechcraft in Wichita, Kansas, for sixteen years, before retiring from working life.
James was preceded in death by his parents, sisters; Florence Smit, Mary Rhodes, Dollye Richardson, and Frances Beith, by his brothers; Dan Kelley, Tom Kelley, and David Kelley.
He is survived by his wife of seventy years, Marjorie Kelley, his son Bob Kelley, daughters Joanna and Sharon Kelley, and his son Thomas Kelley. His is also survived by his sister Gladys Hogan and his brother Dale Kelley, his nieces and nephews within the US. He was a much beloved grandfather and great
grandfather with family in Suffolk and Cornwall in the UK, and Cork City in Ireland.
He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and uncle.
James was adored by his family and will always been missed and remembered.
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