ForeverMissed
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His Life
July 3, 2013

Kelley, James L. Sep 18, 1923 - Jul 24, 2010 James "Ox" Kelley, a fierce proud Marine, passed away at the Norfolk Veteran's Home in Norfolk, NE. He was born in Rulo, NE to James and Geneva Kelley. He was united in marriage to Dorothy Maxwell on December 31, 1949 and they had 6 wonderful children. James proudly served his country as a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps through WWII and the Korean War, for which he was the recipient of the Purple Heart in both wars for his courageous acts. He served 6 years as the Washington County Sheriff, and spent 45 years of his life as a Tugboat Captain on the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers and as a Sea-faring Captain along the Gulf of Mexico. James had a great passion for the outdoors and enjoyed passing on his knowledge of the river and all its wonders to his family. He had many great stories of his journeys through life that never ceased to amaze you and would often give you a good laugh. His sense of humor was known by all and will be greatly missed, but he has left us with lots of laughs to share and good times to reminisce. Grateful for having shared his life are his wife Dorothy of 60 years; and their children, Kathy (Jim) Hunter and daughter Lori, Littleton, CO, Mike (Susie) Kelley and children, Maggie, Sarah, Erin, Jackie, and Emily, Niobrara, NE, Pat Kelley, Niobrara, Tim Kelley and sons, Lucas and Jesse, Blair, NE, Terry (Lisa) Kelley and children, Christina, Jacob, Chase, and Makayla, Springfield, SD, Peggy (Curt) Cassner and children, Bruce, Kelley, Abby, and Aaron, Naples, FL; great grandchildren Hannah, Shyanne, Thomas and Jacob; and all the wonderful employees and volunteers of the Norfolk Veterans Home who treated him as one of their family. James is preceded in death by his parents, James Kelley and Geneva Hines-Kelley; and his siblings, Bill Kelley, Pat Kelley, and Dorothy Jensen. VISITATION will be at Campbell-Aman Funeral Home in Blair Tuesday, July 27, 6-8pm, with the family present 7-8pm. FUNERAL SERVICE will be 10am Wednesday, July 28, at the Funeral Home, with Burial to follow at L'Eau Qui Court Cemetery, Niobrara, NE, and lunch at the Two Rivers Saloon in Niobrara. CAMPBELL-AMAN FUNERAL HOME Blair, NE 402-426-2191