James E. Kelley, 95, of Independence, Iowa died Wednesday evening, November 8, 2017 at the Buchanan County Health Center in Independence, Iowa.

Jim was born on July 25, 1922 near Masonville, Iowa the son of Edward and Johanna (Farrell) Kelley. He was a 1941 graduate of the Winthrop High School, in Winthrop, Iowa. He served with the US Coast Guard for three years prior to his discharge on February 18, 1944. On April 29th, 1946 he was married to Carol E. Devens at St. John’s Catholic Church in Independence, Iowa. He was employed with the Baum Clothing Store, Peoples Memorial Hospital, the Independence Community Schools and the Reiff Funeral Home & Crematory prior to his retirement.

Jim is survived by his wife of 71 years, Carol Kelley, Independence, a daughter Alanna (Larry) Kelley-Kerns Ridgeway, MO and three grandchildren; Chris, Bryan and Erin Miller, and two great grandchildren; Braygen and Braylee Miller, and an adopted daughter Wendy (Richard) Sperfslage, Winthrop, IA.

He was preceded by his parents, a sister; Ellen Rosensteel, and five brothers; Ambrose, David, George, Bernard, and Paul Kelley.

Memorial services will be held at 10:30 AM Saturday at the Reiff Funeral Home & Crematory in Independence with Sharon Bainbridge officiating. Friends may call from 3 to 6 PM Friday, and from 9 to 10:30 AM Saturday at the funeral home.