James Harold Kelley

James Harold Kelley, 72, of Tulsa, OK, passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 29, 2020.

Services will be held on February 12, 2020 (2 P.M.) at the Fort Gibson National Cemetery located at 1423 Cemetery Road, Fort Gibson, OK 74434.

James was born on November 10, 1947 in McAlester, OK. He spent his childhood in McAlester and Stuart, OK and enjoyed little league baseball. He also spent time playing basketball with the Boys Clubs of America.

James graduated from McAlester High School. He later went on to get his bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree. He worked in loss prevention at Walmart (and met Sam Walton!), flipped houses while working as a Realtor for a few years, and also enjoyed work as a Railroad Police Officer in the Tulsa area. James found his true calling when he joined the United States Army and served our country for 32 years. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel and went on to serve his country for eight additional years as a Civilian Government Contractor in Afghanistan and Djibouti.

As an adult, James loved to play golf, go to hockey games (Go Oilers!), and travel. He was an honorable and loving man who put family above all else. Nothing made him happier than spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

James is survived by three children, Sean Kelley of McAlester, OK, Christopher (Jennifer) Kelley of Tulsa, OK, and Michelle (Ottis) Kelley Jenkins of Killeen, TX; nine grandchildren, Brittney (David), Jamie (Taylor), Marissa (Austin), Druex, KiKi, Austin, Kailee, Nathan, and Karsyn; 10 great-grandchildren; sister, Janet (Chuck) Graves, brother Mike (Kim) Kelley; and his loyal dog, Toby. James was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and his children's mother.