James Kevin Kelley

May 11, 1954 – June 20, 2026

With family around him, James Kelley of Maple Valley passed away June 20, 2026 from head injuries sustained from a fall: He was 72 years old.

James was born in Bremerton, Washington to Gerald Kelley and Lettie Hauge, and moved to Oregon in middle school. He was a graduate of Milwaukie High School and later Central Washington University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Business. He also achieved his CFP (Certified Financial Planner) designation. He worked many years for UPS, and retired from the Pyxis Corporation.

James enjoyed traveling and was a scuba diver, a cyclist, and skier who loved the water and the snow. A musician, he played guitar and piano, and participated in band and church music groups. James was an outgoing, sociable man who had a remarkable memory for faces and names as well as sports scores (Seahawks!) and movies. He laughed often and had a gift for gab coupled with a keen wit and sense of humor. He loved his family and his friends and even with health challenges in recent years, he pushed forward with a personal goal to “adapt and overcome.”

James was predeceased by his parents and his stepfather Fred Molzan. He is survived by his fiancé April Garza; and siblings: Ron Olness (Becky), Susan Swanson (Ron), and Tom Kelley. He was loved by his nieces and nephews: Michael (Jeanice), Jennifer (Karl), Kate (Monte), and Laurel (Steve), and great nieces/nephews: Kasey, Beatrix, Theo, Alice, and Max. Also surviving is his beloved and chatty 17-year-old kitty companion: Emma.

Service TBD