Memorial services for James L. Kelley, 75, Lawrence, will be at 2 pm Saturday, April 11th, at First United Methodist Church, West Campus, 867 Hwy 40 (6th St.). Jim passed away Monday, April 6th, 2015 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. He was born on July 4th, 1939 the son of Claude O. and Dorothy Davison Kelley.
Jim grew up on a farm in Decatur County, Kansas. He received his B.S. from Kansas State University in 1966 in Industrial Education and his M.S from Pittsburg State University in 1969 in Industrial Education. He taught electronics at Lawrence High School from 1969 until he retired in 1997.
He married Linda Santee on June 17th, 1963. She survives of the home.
Other survivors include sons Jeff (Lori) Kelley of Ottawa, Matt Kelley of Topeka, Dan Kelley of Lawrence, brothers William “Bill” Kelley (Betty June) of Junction City, Richard “Dick” (Donna) Kelley of Oberlin, sisters Catherine VanZandt-Kelley of Orlando, FL., Carolyn (Jim) Plotts of Norcatur, KS and five grandchildren: Rylie Kelley, Anna Kelley, Michael Kelley, Corrine Kelley, and Olivia Kelley.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Robert “Bob” and Donald “Don” Kelley, and an infant sister, Ruth Marie Kelley.
Memorials may be sent to Visiting Nurses (Hospice), or American Cancer Society in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana, Lawrence, KS 66044.
Online condolences may be sent to Rumsey-Yost.com.
So sorry for your loss. I always admired Mr. Kelley as a teacher and as a friend. My thoughts and prayers are with the Kelley family.
Sad news. Mr. Kelley always struck me as a good example of a good person. My condolences to all of the Kelley Family.
Enjoyed working with Jim over the years at LHS. He was a wonderful man and teacher. His students were so fortunate to have him in his classes. He helped many a young adult to become a better person through his life teachings!! Also was fortunate to spend some time with Jim towards the end of a few of his treatments. Was blessed to have some time to reconnect with he and his wife. Will miss you Mr. Jim and again thank you for all that you did for me and my many students over the years!!! Truly fortunate and blessed to have you in my life!!!
With much affection and fondness,
Karen Lyerla
Linda and Jeff,
So sad to see Jim’s name in the paper today. He was so enthusiastic and a real pleasure to work with. We shared an appreciation of wood and a similar C history. My condolences on your family’s loss, he was a very nice guy.
What a wonderful man who loved our family and cared for Irene so well. Beyond neighbors, more than friends, really the nicest and kindest people. Linda, I am so sorry for your loss. I send my thoughts and prayers to you and the family.
Sorry to hear of your loss. Jim was a Highschool classmate of mine in Oberlin Kansas and a Brother of my Sisters husband Dick Kelly Jim was a great guy and good friend. Janice
I’m real sorry to see the loss of Mr Kelly.we were neighbor as a child on Miller Dr. My condolence to the whole family!