James Lewis Kelley
September 1, 1933 ~ August 22, 2026
Born in:
Flat River, Missouri
Resided in:
Koeltztown, Missouri
James Lewis Kelley, 92, of Koeltztown, passed away Saturday, August 22, 2026, at StoneBridge Senior Living – Westphalia.
James was born on September 1, 1933, in Flat River, Missouri to Eldon Patrick and Mildred (Koonce) Kelley.
He joined the Army National Guard then enlisted in the Army during the Korean War and was stationed in Europe where he met his wife.
He was united in marriage on July 9, 1955, in Bramberg, Austria to Maria Elizabeth Emberger who survives at the home.
James was a mechanic by trade, joining the Operator Engineers Local 513 in St. Louis, Missouri.
He enjoyed his family, farming, building dune buggies, hunting, and sitting on the front porch. With his mechanical mind, he could fix anything. He always had a smile and a good word for everyone he met. The glass was always half full for him.
Survivors include wife of seventy-one years, Maria; three children, Eldon (Randy) Kelley, Freeburg; Evelyn Kelley, Osage City; and Mike (Donna) Kelley, Troy; a daughter-in-law, Vicky Kelley, Jefferson City; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren; and great-great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by four children, Harold Kelley, Renee Kelley Patton, Donna Kelley Sweeza, and James Leon Kelley.
Visitation will be 5:00-7:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at Trimble Funeral Homes – Westphalia.
Burial with military honors will be in Jefferson Barricks National Cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri.
Memorials are suggested to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Services entrusted to Trimble Funeral Homes – Westphalia trimblefunerals.com
Note: This obituary is protected against unauthorized reproduction or redistribution without the funeral home's or family's consent.
Services
Visitation: Wednesday, August 26, 2026 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Trimble Funeral Homes - Westphalia
1941 Highway 63
Westphalia, Missouri 65085
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We met Mr Kelley through Jim and Vicky Gary and I liked talking to him and Maria when we went over to Jim and Vicky and also their house . Rest in peace
To the family and friends of James Lewis Kelley. Please allow me to express my sympathies and words of encouragement to all who loved him. It is wonderful to know that our Creator promises that there will be a time when “sickness and death” will be eliminated (Revelation 21:3, 4). In fact, He promises that a resurrection will happen, just as when Lazarus died but was brought back to life. (Acts 24:15; John 11:11-14, 38-45). We can see our loved ones again but in perfect health. May this beautiful promise bring you peace.
Respectfully, 🌺🙏🏾
There isn’t enough words to convey what a kind, thoughtful and caring Mr Kelley was. He and Maria always had a welcoming open arms. My family and I are so grateful for the opportunity to know him and spend great times with them. He will be missed. Our sympathy to the family.