James Lewis Kelley, 92, Koeltztown, passed away Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, at StoneBridge Senior Living in Westphalia.
He was born on Sept. 1, 1933, to the late Eldon Patrick and Mildred (Koonce) Kelley in Flat River.
He joined the Army National Guard then enlisted in the Army during the Korean War and was stationed in Europe where he met his wife.
James was united in marriage to Maria Elizabeth Emberger on July 9, 1955, in Bramberg, Austria.
He was a mechanic by trade, joining the Operator Engineers Local 513 in St. Louis.
James enjoyed his family, farming, building dune buggies, hunting, and sitting on the front porch. With his mechanical mind, he could fix anything. James always had a smile and a good word for everyone he met. The glass was always half full for him.
James was preceded in death by parents, Eldon and Mildred; and children, Harold Kelley, Renee Kelley Patton, Donna Kelley Sweeza and James Leon Kelley.
He is survived by wife of 71 years, Maria; children, Eldon Kelley and wife Randy of Freeburg, Evelyn Kelley of Osage City and Mike Kelley and wife Donna of Troy; daughter-in-law, Vicky Kelley of Jefferson City; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held from 5 until 7 p.m., (today) Wednesday, Aug. 26, at Trimble Funeral Homes – Westphalia.
Interment with military honors will be in Jefferson Barricks National Cemetery in St. Louis.
Memorial contributions suggested to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Arrangements entrusted to Trimble Funeral Homes – Westphalia. trimblefunerals.com
