Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
James Kelley Obituary
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.
Please sign this guestbook at Obituaries.LJWorld.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Kelley
Byron Miller
April 17, 2015
Mr. Kelley was a wonderful guy, and the best teacher I ever had. He stirred an interest in electronics in me that I still have. In my troubled teen years, he was a mentor, and was right there for students that wanted to learn what he had to offer. He even helped me find a job.
I am a better person for knowing him.
Our heart goes out to his family, for their loss of a good man.
clarence rayton
April 14, 2015
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Nan Alexander
April 12, 2015
Jim was a dear friend and he will be missed so much.My condolences to the family.
April 11, 2015
My favorite teacher ever! Never got the chance to tell him that I am an Industrial Electrician, probably because of him. RIP Mr. Kelley.
Rick Anderson
April 10, 2015
I had Mr. Kelley for electronics in 1975. He was one of my favorite teachers and I can never recall anyone disliking him. My condolences to the family.
Linda Allen
April 9, 2015
Such a wonderful man. I am blessed to have worked with Jim more years than I would want to admit. So great to the kids and all of the LHS community. He taught my own kids skills that will last them a lifetime.
Ricky Durrant
April 8, 2015
Mr Kelley was the teacher you would look up to , talk to and he would assist and help you in anyway he could. He taught me to look outside of my limitations and expand. The world has a void that only he could fill
Rick Werner
April 8, 2015
I dont remember many of my teachers from High School. Mr. Kelley I do remember. He was one of my favorite teachers and will be missed.
Jim Dehoff
April 8, 2015
Linda and Family,
So sorry for your loss, Jim was such a nice person to be around and will be missed by those of us that had the pleasure to know him..
Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results
Make a Donation
in James Kelley's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Memorial Events
for James Kelley
Funeral services provided by:
Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home & Crematory601 Indiana Street, Lawrence, KS 66044
How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor James Kelley's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
