James H. Kelley Sr., 84, of Walnut Grove, passed away on Wednesday, August 1, 2018.

James, the son of Harold and Lorayne (Slagle) Kelley, was born in Walnut Grove, MO, on December 21, 1933. On May 5, 1956, James and Jeanette Dotson were united in marriage and together, they shared over 62 years.

James was a life-long Walnut Grove resident. After graduating from Walnut Grove, James faithfully served in the United States Army. After his time in the military, he came home and began his career. James was an over the road truck driver for over 26 years for Roadway and traveled over a million miles accident free. James also owned the Phillips 66 filling station in Walnut Grove for a time. Putting his safe traveling to good use, James later drove a school bus for Walnut Grove. When James wasn't working, he enjoyed outdoors and still being behind the wheel, dirt track racing. In 2006, James was inducted into Ozark Area Racers Association as a Legend. James adored his family and loved spending time with them, especially his grandchildren. He will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by all those that knew and loved him.

James is survived by his wife, Jeanette of the home; children, James H. Kelley Jr. and wife Cathy, Jerry Kelley and wife Lisa, all of Walnut Grove, Jaquelyn Kelley of Springfield; grandchildren, Sonya Collins and husband Brad of Lee Summit, Suzanna Evans and husband Josh of Camdenton, J.D. Kelley and wife Sabrena of Walnut Grove, Jeremy Kelley and wife Anna of Walnut Grove, Kaleigh Rakhmonova and husband Parviz of Tajikistan, Alexandria Wilkerson of Springfield, Victoria Schuster of Springfield, Andrew Schuster of Springfield, Angela Stevens of Ozark; great-grandchildren, Addison, Lane, Ethan, Landon, Alexa, Peyton, Camden, Griffin, Grant, May, Tristian, Madelyne, Elizabeth; siblings, Barbara Yocom of Walnut Grove, Rose Marie (Dutch) Abbott of Walnut Grove, Patsy Sue Rockhold of KS, Gary Kelley and wife Jana of KS, Larry Kelley and wife Pat of AR; nieces, nephews, cousins, other family and many friends.

James was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be Sunday, August 5, 2018, from 2:00PM- until service time Wilson-Griffin Funeral Home, Walnut Grove, MO. Funeral services will begin at 4:00PM at the funeral home with burial to follow at Greene Lawn Cemetery, Walnut Grove, MO.