James D. Kelley (lovingly referred to as Jim or Jimbo by friends and family) passed away May 18, 2021 in Helena, MT. He was born in Montgomery, AL on March 16, 1933. He was the middle of five children. He joined the Air Force when he was eighteen and served twelve years active duty. He finished out his military career in the MT National Guard, retiring as a Master Sargent with a total of 33 years proudly serving our county.
He was a self-taught draftsman, architect, artist and all-around master craftsman. His work can be found in the homes of his children and grandchildren who will treasure the pieces forever. During his years at the State of MT he worked at DOT and designed many of the highways throughout Montana. He married Joan Graff on October 4, 1969 and together, with their children (Jim’s sons, Danny and Gary and Joan’s children, Debbie, Tim and Cindy) became a blended family. Jim loved to hunt and fish and when you went out with him, you better back a lunch (and sometimes dinner!). He and Joan loved to travel and took many trips that took them from coast to coast and beyond. Jim’s love of his family was unmatched. His grandchildren and great grandchildren were his greatest joy.
Jim is preceded in death by his mother, Eunice, father, John; siblings John and Mary; son, Gary Kelley and great grandson, Tyler Lindquist.
He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Joan Kelley; siblings, Margaret and Chuck; children, Danney Kelly (Cindy), Debbie Bogle, Tim Graff (Mary) and Cindy Donnell (Jack); grandchildren, Cassandra Kelley, Aimee Lindquist, Mikal Moore, Erinn Donnell, Morgan Ellingson, Megan McCauley and nine great grandchildren.
A private family service will be held at a later date.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Pat and Dayle Williams says
Dear Joan
Our deepest sympathies and prayers for God’s grace and comfort to you and your family.
Rick bogle says
Grandma im so sorry for you and the family jimbo (papa) was such a great man. I loved fishing with him on his boat he showed me so much about catching fish and life . We all was blessed to have known him . I will always remember him and you. I pray the family can heal from the loss. Love you
Tom Rasmussen says
Dear Joan and family …. I just became aware of Jim’s passing and want to offer my condolences on your loss. Joan, you were such an important part of my life for those many years of great service as one of our key workers at Montana Eyecare and of course I got to know
Jim through those years.
I was always struck by his gentle, kind nature and so impressed with all his different activities and skills coupled with his many years of military service .
Of course we know he is now walking on streets of gold with his Lord and Savior and we can rejoice in that even though there are very strong earthly sorrows at his loss.
My prayers over you as you walk through this time of healing from Jim’s loss.
Blessings!
Tom Rasmussen