James Beaden Kelley

James (Jim) B. Kelley passed away at his home in Bluff Park on February 18th, just 23 days after his beloved wife, Darthey Bradford Kelley. He was 89 years old and a long-time resident of Hoover, Alabama where he was a member of Shades Crest Baptist Church for over 50 years. Jim attended Minor High School where he played basketball, but he enjoyed all sports. He served his country as a U S Marine, and after his honorable discharge in 1957 he moved his family to Tuscaloosa, where he attended the University of Alabama to study architecture. His drafting, design and sales career took him to S.C. for a few years, but he returned to Birmingham, where he retired from Southern Prestressed Concrete as part owner in 1986.

Jim is preceded in death by his wife of 70 years, Darthey Bradford Kelley; his parents, Ernest and Ruby P Kelley; his brother, Harvey; and his sister Ernestine Watts.

Jim is survived by his children Ed Kelley, Kim Cobb and Karen Kelley; his granddaughters Chrystal, Kayla (Cody), Amber and Karanne (Fred) and great grandchildren Dalila, Emery, Kaden, Jett and Malaki.

With many skills and a work ethic that allowed him to successfully retire at 50, he was able to spend his later years with family at the lake, where he was his happiest. A massive stroke in 2006 brought

challenges that eventually forced his body to be homebound after 2022, but his mind remained active (and ambitious) throughout his entire life. To all who loved him, he will be remembered for his strength and perseverance.

Memorial service: Saturday, March 1st at 2 pm at Johns Ridout's Elmwood Chapel

In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to: Shades Crest Baptist Church 452 Park Ave, Hoover, Al 35226