James Earl Kelley

He was born in Watertown, WI on October 7, 1950, to his father Donald Kelley and mother Doris (nee Fairchild) Kelley, and grew up in Walworth, WI with his 5 brothers and 5 sisters. Jim graduated from Big Foot High School in 1968 and joined the Navy, sailing the world aboard the USS Ethan Allen (SSBN-608). While in the service, he married his former spouse Elizabeth Hatfield in the homeport of Bremerton, WA where they eventually settled and raised a family. He worked in the printing industry and was proud to serve his country again as the ‘Sign Shop Overlord’ in Shop 71 at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard until his recent retirement just a short time ago.

Jim was a Christian and a big-hearted, humorous father to Robert, Holly Bennett, Mistydawn (Greg) Butler, Sean (Laurie), and Kristin Sekyra. They will all miss his endearing ability to make them laugh even when they did not want to, and to make a grey day bright with his smile, wisdom, and dad jokes.

Jim enjoyed working on design and computer projects immensely, and was always willing to help family and friends create fun art and memorabilia. If anyone needed a logo, a t-shirt, a retouched photo, or any other numerous items of sentimental value, they could always count on him to lend a helpful and creative hand. From Kelley family reunion beer koozies to ‘Born on the Fourth of July’ pins for the birth of his granddaughter Bailey, he delighted in surprising those around him with fun items to cherish and remember. He loved his family dearly.

Jim was preceded in death by his brothers Mike and Bill, and by his sisters Noreen Ashcraft, Donna York, and Glenna Wilkinson, and his parents Donald and Doris. He is survived by his brothers Don, Bobby (Lori), and Kelly (Char), his sisters Trudy and Peg, his 5 children, 13 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, and many, many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service is planned for September 19th in Bremerton.