James Kelley

Obituary… His Story In the beginning…”The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord.” Psalm 37:23 James Thomas Kelley was born in Ionia, Lee County, South Carolina to his parents Lawrence and Leila Dow Kelley. For many years, he worked as a farmer until the age of seventeen; and later worked at a furniture store in Camden, S.C. In his early twenties, he moved to Folkston, Ga., and met his late wife, Thelma Alice Belton Kelley. In 1961, he relocated to New Haven, Connecticut from Folkston, Ga., to explore employment opportunities. He landed a job at Seamless Rubber Company. James achieved what he came to do, and the next year in 1962, he moved his wife, Thelma, and nine children Joyce, Vivian, James, Larry, Ronnie, Danny, Bobby, Clema, and Cynthia to Connecticut by railway and pursued a life-long residency in New England. The youngest son, Earl was born in New Haven. When Seamless Rubber Company closed, James started working for the Armstrong Company. Later, he was employed by Yale-New Haven Hospital and retired from Yale-New Haven Hospital after working there for twenty-five years. Church History…“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7 Trustee James Kelley loved the Lord and loved his church family. In 1972, St. Mary’s UFB Church was founded under the pastoralship of Elder Martha Green. Trustee Kelley was so impressed by Pastor M. Green’s leadership, that he joined the church the following year. Trustee James Kelley was appointed the first Treasurer of the Church, the Assistant Superintendent of the Sunday school and he sang in the Male Chorus. He faithfully served in the role as Trustee until the Lord called him home to rest. Family History…”A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children…” Proverbs 13:22 By his seeds, Trustee James Thomas Kelley was affectionately known as “Deddy”. His wisdom and genuine concern for his family and church were exemplary. He spent a lot of time preparing delicious entrees and he was cooking until the time of his demise. James was a well-dressed man, and he knew cleanliness was next to Godliness. His favorite color was blue, and his favorite song was “God of a Second Chance”. He enjoyed gardening and watching sports; however, baseball was his favorite. He was a hard-working humble servant of the Lord. Trustee Kelley leaves to cherish his memory, seven children: Vivian (Adger Lee) Glover, Danny (Willa) Kelley, Bobby Kelley, Earl (Jodi) Kelley, all of New Haven, CT., Cynthia (Louis) Barnes of Baltimore, MD., Ronnie (Deborah) Kelley of West Haven, CT., and Larry (Pamela) Kelley of Hamden, CT. Siblings: Geneva Boykin of Atlanta, GA., Viola Sydoriak of New Haven, CT., William Kelley of North Haven, CT., Almeta Hudson of New Haven, CT., David (Carrie) Kelley of West Haven, CT., and Mattie Kelley of Atlanta, GA. Trustee Kelley is predeceased by his wife, Thelma Kelley, daughters, Joyce Johnson and Clema Mae Kelley, son: James (Buddy) Kelley, Parents: Lawrence and Leila Dow Kelley, Brothers: Lawrence Kelley Jr. and Lester Kelley, Sisters: Sarah Lee, Alice Sheppard, Mary Kelley, Martha Kelley, Annie Mae Smith, and Leila Kelley. Grandchildren: Carita Jones, Francisco Jones, and Larry Kelley Jr. Great-great granddaughter: Jada Bell. James Kelley is survived by 27 grandchildren, 50 great grandchildren, 19 great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

James Kelley

April 27, 1933 - May 30, 2018