James "Jimmy" McKinley Kelley
Join us in celebrating James "Jimmy"—please share your stories and photos, and help spread the word about this page!
James (Jimmy) McKinley Kelley, 100 of Odessa Texas passed away peacefully at his residence on Saturday March 9, 2024.
James was born in Montgomery, Louisiana on July 8, 1923 to the late William Monroe and Floy
Kelley. He graduated from Natchitoches High School in 1940. He attended a vocational school in a
machine shop course He married the last love of his life, Janice Kelley on December 6, 2007, they
were married for 16 years and 3 months.
He moved to Odessa in 1949 and immediately started to work at Miether Machine as a machinist. In
1974 he started his own business, "Kelley's Tool Works" and partnered with his middle son John
Kelley until retirement.
James enjoyed being around his family and friends. He always did his best to bring happiness and
joy to their lives. He was genuinely interested in their lives and a good listener. He often gave advice.
He never met a stranger. In later years he enjoyed watching old westerns on TV. He was a Master
Mason of H. .A. McFarland Lodge No. 1338 for 52 years. Also, a member of York Rite Bodies of
Texas and Midland Commandery No. 84 in Midland, TX. He was active in the Order of the Eastern
Star, Odessa Chapter No. 447 and a 50 year member.
James served in the Army Air Corps during WWIl from 1942 to 1945 as assistant engineer (left waist
gunner) on a B24 Liberator heavy bomber. He was stationed in the Mediterranean Theatre of
Operations. He received credit for 50 combat missions in 35 months. S/Sgt. James M. Kelley served
in the 459" Bomb Group 757 Bomber Squadron. He was wounded on his second combat mission and
was awarded the Purple Heart. He received several other metals.
James is survived by his wife Janice Kelley, sons Rod (Patricia) Kelley of Liberty, MO., John (Shirley)
Kelley of Odessa, Jeff (Lucia) Kelley of Round Rock, TX, Step-son Jim (Melissa) Richardson of
Granbury, TX, and Step-daughter JoAnn Richardson of Anderson, SC. Grandchildren Kris (Jana)
Kelley, Michelle (Sean) Morris, ZoAnna Foley, Brett (Shelley) Prewitt, Heather (Larry) Thomas, John
(Michelle) Acton, Tasha (Phillip) Peeples, Alex (Candace) Lundry, Megan (Tyler) Booth, Brianna
Baker, Joshua (Ashlei) Richardson.23 Great Grandchildren and 20 Great Great Grandchildren.
James is preceded in death by his parents William Monroe and Floy Kelley, Brother Randall Kelley
and Sister Gladys Rowe.
The Pallbearers will be the Masons.
Odessa Chapter No. 447 Eastern Star will perform the Eastern Star Funeral Ceremony.
The Masons will perform the "Masonic Rites ceremony at the cemetery followed by the VFW military
ceremony.
In lieu of flowers the family wishes you to consider making a memorial donation in James Kelley's
honor to a favorite charity.
The family of James Kelley wishes to thank his medical doctors for their care of him. Also, Nurse
Sandra Carbajahl with St. Joseph's Home Health. She was professional, caring, and a delight on her
weekly visits. She became a friend. Thank you, Sandra.
A visitation for James will be held Monday, March 18, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Frank W. Wilson Funeral Directors, 4635 Oakwood Dr, Odessa, Texas 79761. A funeral service will occur Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at 11:00 AM, 4635 Oakwood Dr, Odessa, Texas 79761. A committal service will occur Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at 12:00 PM at Sunset Memorial Gardens, 6801 E 1-20 Business Loop, Odessa, Texas 79762.