James Kelley

James H. Kelley, 74, of Amsterdam, New York, passed away on Tuesday December 21, 2010. Born in Little Falls, NY; on January 31, 1936, Jim was the oldest of three children, including Jack and Janet, of Francis (Frank) and Gertrude Kelley. He grew up in Amsterdam and graduated in 1954 as President of his class from St. Mary's Institute. during his senior year, Jim joined the Naval Reserve and served tours at Naval Station, Norfolk, VA; and aboard the USS MISSISSIPPI (EAG-128). After 38 years of service, Jim retired as a commissioned Chief Warrant Officer-4. Jim also served over 25 years with the New York State Naval Militia. His awards included the National Defense Medal (2), the Armed Forces Reserve Medal (3), and the Naval Reserve Meritorious Service Medal. He also received the NY Naval Militia Meritorious Medal.

He returned to civilian life and worked for the Almor Company in Amsterdam before attending College. Jim graduated in 1961 from Siena College with a BS in Economics and accepted a position with Carnation Company as territory manager. After spending time with Georgia-Pacific Company and M&M/Mars in similar positions, Jim returned to Georgia-Pacific in their Building products division. He later worked for Dorsey Millwork before retiring. Enjoying people as much as he did, Jim continued to work part time in the building industry, at both 84 Lumber and Pro-Build in Johnstown.

Jim loved boating, skiing and golf. He was a Commander of the Lake George Power Squadron and a certified boating instructor for the New York State Safe Boating Course. He was an active member of the Moose Golf League in Johnstown, the Irish American Club in Amsterdam and an Honorary Life Member of Council 209 Knights of Columbus in Amsterdam. He was a parishioner and communicant of St. Mary's Church in Amsterdam.

In 1964, Jim married Catherine Lynch of Lake Luzerne. They moved to Charlton in 1967 and raised their family, daughter Kathleen,(Hilario Nuno) of New York, NY; and sons James (Nanette) of Guilderland, NY and Joseph (Carolence) of Beaver Creek, Colorado.

In addition to his children and former spouse, Jim is survived by grandchildren, Alejandro, Tara and Nicolas Nuno and Liam, Aidan, Declan and Brydie Kelley along with several nieces and nephews. He is alo survived by his brother, (J.D) Jack Kelley and sister, Janet Scott both of Amsterdam.

Jim will be rembered for his Irish wit and charm, his knack for never missing a chance to tell a story or a joke, and his eternal optimism. He made people around him all feel special and for that he was loved deeply.

Our special thanks go to Jim's friends at Pro-Build, the New York Oncology Hemotology Center in Amsterdam and Community Hospice of Saratoga. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made in Jim's name to Community Hose of Saratoga, 179 Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springs, New York 12866 or to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center 1275 York Avenue, New York, New york 10065.

Funeral services will be held on Friday morning at 10:15 at the Riley Mortuary, Inc. 110 Division Street, Amsterdam, New york 12010, followed at 11:00 by a Mass of Christian Burial, which will be celebrated at St. Mary's Church 156 East Main Street, Amsterdam.

Calling hours are Thursday (this evening) from 4 to 7 at the mortuary.

Those wishing to attend the committal service at Saratoga National Cemetery on Monday, should meet at the Riley Mortuary, Inc. 110 Division Street, Amsterdam, no later than 10:30.