His parents, Raymond W. and Esther P. (Coburn) Kelley welcomed their son into the world on September 14, 1955, in Keene, NH. He was a 1973 graduate of Keene High School.
Following high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy serving as a firemen recruit onboard the US Harlan County from September 27, 1974, until his honorable discharge on November 10, 1977.
James worked as a bus driver with Laidlaw Transportation in Keene, for several years. He enjoyed playing video games.
He is survived by his three children, Sonia Kelley of Colorado, Delilah Kelley and Kathleen Kelley, both of Keene; his grandchildren, Anastasia Morse, Cheyanne Morse, JC McGlasson, Ernie McGlasson, Jennifer Kelley and Jacob Kelley.
A graveside service with military honors will be held on Monday, May 19, 2025, at 2:30PM in the Chapel at the NH State Veterans Cemetery, 110 Daniel Webster Highway, Boscawen, NH.
