James Kelley

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.