James Kelley

James William Kelley, son of the late Jesse James and Sibyl I. Barham Kelley was born on Jan. 10, 1927 in Bloomfield and died at his residence in Essex on April 21, 2009, at the age of 82.

Mr. Kelley was a retired agri-businessman, a veteran of the United States Army where he served in the Korean Conflict, a member of the American Legion, a member of the Masonic Lodge in Bloomfield, a member of the Essex Lions Club, and a member of the Essex United Methodist Church.

On May 16, 1948, he was united in marriage to Norma Lou Ross at the Essex United Methodist Church. Mrs. Kelley survives of their home in Essex.

Besides his wife, he is survived by one son, James Mark Kelley of Essex; two granddaughters, Krystal Lee Downs of Cape Girardeau and Laura Kay Bell of Essex; one grandson James Ross Kelley of Essex; and two great-grandchildren, Addison Kelley Downs of Cape Girardeau and Payton Rae Bell of Essex.

Besides his parents he was preceded in death by one sister, Christine Elizabeth Kelley.

A graveside service will be conducted on Friday, April 24, 2009, in the Essex Cemetery at 11 a.m. Rev. Roy Sherfield, Rev. Ernie Rogers and Rev. David Craig will officiate at the service.

Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home of Dexter is in charge of all arrangements.

The family asks that all memorials be made to the Essex United Methodist Church. Envelopes may be picked up in the funeral home office.