of Marshall, AR
July 22, 1936 - January 5, 2023
James Harold Kelley, age 86, of Marshall, Arkansas stepped into the presence of the Lord on Thursday, January 5th, 2023 at Highland Court in Marshall, Arkansas. He was born in Leslie, Arkansas on July 22nd, 1936 to Alva Gene "Geney" Kelley and Mary Jane Treat Kelley.
James was a faithful member of the South Mountain Free Will Baptist Church where he filled many roles over the years, including grounds keeper, custodian and superintendent. James worked for the Searcy County Road Department and retired after 29 years of service. In 2001, he became a board member of Farm Bureau. During that time, he served 10 years as president of the Marshall Chapter. He was a board member of the South Mountain Water Association for many years as well. James had a friendly smile for all he met. He loved his community and enjoyed volunteering and helping out whenever possible.
James is preceded in death by his parents, Geney and Mary Jane Kelley; his wife, Darlene Fern Thompson Kelley who passed away in 2016; his sister, Irene Watts and brothers, Arvilla Kelley, John Kelley, Denver Kelley, J.T. Kelley and Clifford Kelley.
Survivors include his daughter, Carla Kelley Ramsey and son-in-law, Jerome of Springdale; his son, James R. Kelley and daughter-in-law, Holly of Hot Springs Village; brothers, Clyde Kelley of Sutter, California and N.A. Kelley and sister-in-law, Lena of Marshall; sister, Donna Cash of Marshall; brother-in-law, Johnnie Thompson of Marshall; sister-in-law, Corene Thompson Daniel and brother-in-law, Wayne of Mabelvale; four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren and a host of extended family and friends.
Funeral services for James will be 2:00 PM Monday, January 9th, 2023 at Roller-Coffman Chapel in Marshall, Arkansas with Bro. Chris Reade, Bro. Jimmy Don Tibbetts and Bro. Jim Mize officiating. Visitation will be 1:00 till 2:00 PM preceding the service. Burial will be in East Lawn Cemetery where James will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife, Darlene. Friends and family will serve as bearers. At the family's request, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Gideon's International, Marshall Camp, PO Box 1305, Marshall, AR 72650. The family would like to thank the staff at Highland Court for their professionalism and dedication to providing compassionate care to James while he was a resident there.
Sign Guestbook
34 Condolence(s)
Nancy Cummings
Monday, February 6, 2023
Carla, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your dad. Prayers for you and your family.
Ron Kelley
Monday, January 16, 2023
So sorry to hear about Uncle James. I know he was met on the other side by lots of family. Especially Darlene, they were great examples for everyone.
ellie denise treat allen
Thursday, January 12, 2023
Carla and family so sorry to hear about your dad god bless you and your family. love you guys
Nancy Nancy
Wednesday, January 11, 2023
So sorry for your loss. James always had a smile and a kind word whenever you saw him. He will be missed by many. Keeping the family in prayers for comfort and peace during this time.
Cheryl Hensley
Monday, January 9, 2023
Sending my condolences and prayers to all of you at this time. James was a really good man, and I enjoyed knowing him very much. Cheryl Hensley
Pat Halsted
Monday, January 9, 2023
While I did not know James well, he always struck me as being just a good, decent man.....which in our world are in short supply. Your family was blessed to have him.
I pray for peace and comfort for all his family .
Vickie Lucas
Monday, January 9, 2023
Donna & family, so sorry for your loss. Prayers of comfort for all of you.
Jan Boyd
Sunday, January 8, 2023
So very sorry for your loss.. he missed Darlene so much.. our familey thought a lot of James and Darlene… he was Cliff’s buddy for a lifetime…
May God Bless and strengthen all of you.
Sincerely, Jan Boyd
Susan (Barnes) Smith
Sunday, January 8, 2023
Bro. James was such a sweet man. He and Darlene were wonderful Christian examples to grow up with at South Mountain Church. I’m sorry for your loss.
Shirley J. Gray
Saturday, January 7, 2023
My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Tom & Sonya Hodges
Saturday, January 7, 2023
Carla, so sorry fro your loss. Continuing to pray for you and your family.
Tom &Sonya
Clara Foshee
Saturday, January 7, 2023
Prayers of comfort for family and friends
Eddie & Pam Cannada
Saturday, January 7, 2023
We are so sorry to hear of James passing. Earths loss, Heavens gain. Rest in peace dear friend. Prayers for the family.
Karen Lawrence
Saturday, January 7, 2023
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your father! I worked with your mother for several years and I played with her and James on a Beanbag Baseball team. He is going to be greatly missed by everyone that knew him. Prayers for the family!
Daphne Warren
Saturday, January 7, 2023
James will be missed. Always had time to visit when he saw you. Always concerned about others. He was a very wonderful man. So sorry to hear of his passing. Prayers for the family. Daphne Warren
Kathleen S Gillum & Richard O Scott
Saturday, January 7, 2023
Buddy , Carla & Family
Thank you for sharing you father. I will truly miss your dad, mostly his laughter and smile. When he would stop by to say hi or just sit in the rocking chair rock awhile and chat. I'll miss him calling to go have coffee at McDonalds. Our South Mountain Community will not be the same. Prayers and faith will help get you though the days ahead. We will keep you in our prayers.
Sally Wilson
Friday, January 6, 2023
I am so sorry to hear James has passed but he is ok now and smiling in Heaven. We were classmates and friends after we moved back and retired here. Aaron and I served with he and Darlene in Farm Bureau. I really will miss him and our friendshipâ¤ï¸
Coy & Sue Horton
Friday, January 6, 2023
Our sympathy and prayers to James' family. He was a good man and he will certainly be missed.
Bruce Stewart
Friday, January 6, 2023
So sorry to hear of James passing. He was always ready with a smile or conversation. My prayers for his family and friends.
Edna Jean Treat
Friday, January 6, 2023
So sorry for your loss. James was a great person. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Barbara (Watts) Van Camp
Friday, January 6, 2023
It is with great love and admiration for a man that was always so happy and very kind to every one he met. That we extend our best to his family.
The WATTS FAMILY send their sympathies and prayers to the family of James. When he and Darlene attended our reunions in Marshall and South Mtn. - they always helped in anyway they could. James is in a much better place now, may God bless his family as they learn how to deal with his loss.
The Watts Family
Carla Jo Kelley
Friday, January 6, 2023
Sending many prayers for the days to come. James was always smiling. We always thought a lot about James & Darlene. Hold on to your memories tight. Prayers.
Wesley and Loretta Smith
Friday, January 6, 2023
Sorry to hear this. James was a good man and he will be missed by many
Roger Massey
Friday, January 6, 2023
Condolences to the family. James was a good man and will be missed.
Patricia Overstreet
Friday, January 6, 2023
Carla and Buddy N.A. and Donna Sue so sorry to hear about James passing. He was a very sweet person. Prayers and God bless. Love Patricia (Sanders) Overstreet
James and Jeri White
Friday, January 6, 2023
Our deepest sympathy
Brenda Scott Collie
Friday, January 6, 2023
Sincere condolences and prayers for everyone in this loss. A gentle and compassionate man
Betty Barnes
Friday, January 6, 2023
Carla and Buddy, so sorry to hear of your dad passing. I am assured that he is in heaven rejoicing with the Lord and that big smile meeting Darlene and all the family. James was one of a kind, he and Darlene always checked on my mom and dad, Darlene and my dad would play and sing together. Oh the sweet memories of South Mountain church and all the family and friends we had there. I loved all of them. James will be greatly missed. Our thought and prayers are with you both during this difficult time. We love ya. Betty and Ray
Christy Lack Smith
Friday, January 6, 2023
Carla & Buddy, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your dad. Prayers of comfort for you and your families.
Christy Lack Smith
Albert & Anna(Rainbolt) Maze
Friday, January 6, 2023
We send our deepest condolences in your loss. God bless each of your families at this time.
Sara & James Myatt
Friday, January 6, 2023
Carla & Buddy, So sorry to hear of The passing of your sweet father. I have so many good memories of time spent in their home as we grew up on South Mountain. Your parents were so kind & sweet to check on my parents over the years. Mother so enjoyed their visits & phone calls. They were truly God’s servants. James continued to check on mom even after Darlene passed away. They were both so precious to our family. I have Covid so unfortunately I don’t think I will be able to attend the funeral but know that my thoughts and prayers are with you both and with all the family. Love; James & Sara (Kimbrell) Myatt.
Mike Harris
Friday, January 6, 2023
My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends during this difficult time. I delivered propane to James for many years and enjoyed visiting with him. Deepest sympathy.
Kathryn Pace
Friday, January 6, 2023
Carla , so sorry for your loss. Prayers for your family! I always enjoyed visiting with him at Harps.
Holly Kemp
Friday, January 6, 2023
My old friend you are now with the Love Of Your Life.
Bless you.