CARTHAGE, NY — James Michael Kelley, 68, of Carthage, NY, passed away May 25, 2018, at home with his loved ones and members of Hospice of Jefferson County by his side.
A calling hour will be held 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 30, at Bruce Funeral Home, 131 Maple St., Black River. The funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 30, at the funeral home. Burial will then take place in St. James Cemetery in Carthage.
He was born on February 21, 1950, in Finley, Ohio, the son of Charles W. Kelley, a decorated navy soldier of WWII who received the Purple Heart, and Nellie (Cerroni) Kelley, his loving mother, as well as fantastic cook, from Carthage.
Jimmy attended Augustinian Academy and graduated from Carthage Central Schools. After completion, he worked at Western Auto as a sales associate for many years. He owned a tree service out of Carthage and cut and delivered pulpwood to St. Regis paper company for years. In 1973 he joined the U.S. Air Force as a Military Police Officer stationed at the former Plattsburgh Air Force Base, being honorably discharged in 1973.
Jimmy loved the outdoors. He particularly loved fishing on the Black River. He enjoyed hiking, camping, boating and anything outdoors. He was a skilled archer and member of the Carthage Rod and Gun Club for many years.
He married Theresa Vintaloro on October 31, 1970. They had four children, Michele (Michael) Robbins of Dexter, NY; Jan Kelley, Rochester, NY; Jeannie (Kelley) Howell who sadly passed away in 2005 and Peter J. Kelley of Carthage NY. He is also survived by his brother and sister in law, Charles (Rebecca) Kelley and a sister Patricia Kelley; his grandsons Joshua Miller and Brandon Fargo all of Carthage NY. His brother-in-law Thomas (Betty) Vintaloro of Rochester, NY; two nieces Grace Kelley of New Jersey, Andrea (Vintaloro) Payne of Rochester and a nephew Jeffrey Vintaloro of Rochester and many great nieces and nephews and cousins.
James’ father Charles W. Kelley died when he was very young and his mother, Nellie (Cerroni) Kelley passed away on May 10, 2015.
Jimmy very much enjoyed reading the bible and bible studies with his friends. He was an accomplished guitarist on both bass and acoustic guitar and played in several bands over the years. James was also a skilled carpenter and loved woodworking. He enjoyed playing songs with his family and friends. He could fix and repair almost anything, machinery and otherwise. He had an adventurous spirit. Sadly, he will be missed roaming the North Country which is the only place he ever lived and loved.
Donations can be made to Hospice of Jefferson County 1398 Gotham Street Road Watertown, NY 13601.
Online condolences may be made at www.brucefh.com.
