Jack Wallas Kelley

Jack was born on August 7, 1924, in Stonebluff, Oklahoma, to John and Clara Kelley. He spent his early boyhood in Pierce, Oklahoma.

In 1938, while attending high school in Pierce, Oklahoma, he met June Elizabeth Ross. It was a match made in Heaven, and they were married on December 25, 1942, in Okmulgee. They remained lifelong partners for 60 years until her passing on April 8, 2002.

During World War II, in 1943, Jack was drafted into the United States Army. He served as a Private First Class in Company A of the 1875th Engineer Aviation Battalion while stationed at Myitkyina, Burma. In February 1944, Jack’s battalion moved to Dudhkundi, India, where its mission was to convert the old Royal Air Force field into a B-29 Superfortress Base. By June 20, 1944, the new runway was operational and ready to launch long-range B-29 bombers into the Japanese homeland. His battalion’s mission was complete.

Following his honorable discharge from the Army in 1946, Jack returned home to his wife and 2-year-old daughter, Jackie Lee, in Oklahoma. Six years later, the couple welcomed their second child, Jimmy, into the world. In 1964, their third child, June Elizabeth, was born.

In 1956, the Kelley family left Oklahoma and settled permanently in Texas. A highly skilled mechanic, Jack quickly found work at Luke Pontiac in Arlington. He was a loyal employee there for three decades from 1956 until 1986.

Jack’s interest in mechanics actually began early in life. On one particular occasion, as a boy of 13, he decided it would be fun to

dismantle his father’s Model T Ford engine and, of course, put it all

back together. Everything went just fine until the very end of the

process when, oddly enough, several “extra” engine parts appeared to be left over.

Consequently, his dad had to have the vehicle, and the parts, towed to the dealer to fix. Though his reassembly job didn’t turn out as he had planned, this did not deter Jack’s enthusiasm for mechanic work. In fact, it was the start of his lifelong career in that field.

Following his tenure at Luke Pontiac, Jack worked for nearby Porter Seal Company for 10 years until 1996. His next work venture was as the “resident Grandpa” at Indian Rubber Company in Arlington.

After 15 years of loyal service there, he was extremely proud to accept an honorary Rolex watch in recognition of his many contributions. He sported the watch every day without fail.

When he wasn’t working, Jack loved to fish, and he enjoyed all types

of sporting events. He particularly liked watching the Texas Rangers play baseball. He was thrilled to attend the World Series best-of-seven playoff in 2011.

Perhaps his most favorite pastime was a good, old-fashioned game of poker. He was a well seasoned player and garnered quite a few “aliases” in the poker world. He was often called “The Matador,” because he had a propensity to “horn” his opponents. Another nickname he had earned was “Ice Man,” since he could “cool” a table like no other. His opponents would willingly attest to the fact that while playing craps, if Jack said to play don’t pass, a person should bet heavily on pass.

Jack served as a deacon in his church in Oklahoma for many years. He was also an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, he attended Milby road Baptist Church, 1st Baptist church & Crossroads Christian Church for many years.

He is survived by his three grown children, Jackie Lee Kelley Wells and husband, Chuck; Jimmy Ross Kelley; and June Elizabeth Kelley Marincik and husband, Mark, all of Arlington.

He was a proud grandfather to nine children: Pete Peach of Arlington; David Peach of Houston; Ryan Wells and Nicki Wells Stahura, both of Mansfield; Cindi Kelley of Arlington; Brett Kelley of Dallas; Mickey Kelley of Dallas; and Lindsey Kelley and Jackson Marincik, both of Arlington.

He had eight great grandchildren: Alexis Wells, Cody Wells, Macy Wells, Kelly Wells, Charlee Stahura, Carson Stahura, Shelby Peach and Jack Kelley.

Jack also had many devoted friends in his life. He was a man of great integrity who always had a kind and compassionate word for others. His quick wit and wonderful sense of humor were easy to love. He was cherished by each generation of his family.

Whether you called him Jack, “Birdleg,” or “Ran” makes no difference. To know this man was to love him. He left this world a much better place, and he will be sorely missed by the many lives he touched.