Obituaries
James Edward Kelley, 90
James Edward Kelley, 90, of Luther Acres, Lititz, died Saturday, January 12, 2013, at Lancaster Regional Medical Center. Born in Covington, VA, he was the son of the late Hillary Kelley and Lillie Snead Kelley Morris, and stepson of the late Emmett Morris. Jim grew up in Henderson, North Carolina.
During WWII 2nd Lt. Kelley was an Army Air Corps B17 pilot with the 711th Bomb Squadron 447th Bomb Group in Northern France and Rhineland. He was 1 of 9 survivors of his 11 man crew when the plane was shot down during Jim’s second mission. Taken prisoner and sent to Stalag Luft 3, he became a guest of the Fuhrer, until being liberated by Gen. Patton’s army at the end of the war.
Using the GI Bill Jim graduated from North Carolina State University with an engineering degree and worked as an industrial engineer for Western Electric, part of AT&T first in Greensboro, North Carolina and then he was transferred to Pennsylvania. Jim was the husband of Mary Harris Kelley for 59 years before her death in 2008. They lived most of their lives in West Lawn, PA and spent 16 years as snowbirds in Palmetto, FL.
Jim was a member of West Lawn United Methodist Church, West Lawn Lions Club and Telephone Pioneers of America. He loved the Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies and rooted for NC State or Duke in college basketball. An avid reader, he enjoyed vacationing in Myrtle Beach. Jim dearly loved his grandsons and great- granddaughter.
Surviving are 2 daughters: Linda K. wife of George R. Huff, III of York, and Jean Kelley Johns of Lititz; 4 grandsons; Greg Huff of Vienna, VA, Erik Huff of Ashburn, VA, Michael, husband of Candace Ramsey Johns, and their daughter Gracie Johns, of Landisville, and Andrew Johns of Lititz; and his sister Virginia A Morris of Palm Gardens, FL. Jim was preceded in death by 6 siblings.
Services will be private, with interment at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville, PA. Please omit flowers. Memorial contributions may be made to West Lawn U.M.C., 15 Woodside Ave., West Lawn, PA 19609 or to Hospice & Community Care, PO Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125. To send the family online condolences, please visit SnyderFuneralHome.com. Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory 717-560-5100
Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page
What a shock it was to read about Jim passing in the morning paper.my wife Bonnie and I just paid a visit to Jim in December with a gift package from the west lawn united Methodist church which we have done for 4years.Jim appeared in good health and was eager to share stories with us.this time was special as he pulled out the picture that his daughter made of his time in the military including a B17Bomber like he piloted.God bless Jim Kelley for his service to his country.
Across the miles and across the years, this message of condolence is from an old Whitfield neighbor and her children. We are still in touch with the Jones’ and saw a Real Estate Transfer for 801 jerome just yesterday. Seeking information on Catherine Walsh for Jane, daughter of Corrine Hile.
Remember the Wilson Band? Great memories for us all.Your Jim was Southern Gentleman of the old school and raised a wonderful family.Such good twirlers.
from Carolyn E. (Russell) Stevenson and Liz Russell W’79 Romberger & Laura Russell W’86 Kiefer
Uncle Jimmy was a very kind man; a very positive outlook on life and always a smile on his face. We will miss him!
Love,
Mary Kelley, Jeff, John and Caroline Willis
In life, we have many acquaintances and few good friends. My Dad, Claude Sweigart, considered Jim a good friend. Jim and Claude became quick friends right after the Kelly’s moved next door in Luther Acres. He, Lauren and I wish Jim’s family comfort and peace as they mourn Jim’s passing. God Bless.
Jon Sweigart
Dear Jean and Linda,
I am very sorry to hear about your father passing. I have fond memories hanging out at your house, wish you and your families the best at this difficult time.
Bill Foster
Our sympathy on the loss of Uncle Jimmy. We didn’t get to know him and Mary until we started going to the Morris reunions. It was always a pleasure to talk with him. He had a great smile and sense of humor. I know you will miss him.
Love
Skip, Harold and Greg Forrester.
I was saddened to hear of Uncle Jimmy passing away to a better place, My grandson, Jonathan, also sends his condolences.
Carroll (Pete) Morris
Dear Tom and Beth, We appreciate your kind remembrance for Daves’s Mom and offer our sincere condolences n the loss of Tom’s mother. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Dave and Donna
