1931-2026
James Bunn Kelley, 94, of Belle Center, passed away peacefully at Mary Rutan Hospital on February 3, 2026. He was born in Attica, Seneca County, Ohio, on November 19, 1931, the third of six children to Wilbur Harrison and Enola Mae (Bunn) Kelley.
He married Dorothy Eileen (Lay) Kelley on July 24, 1976, and she preceded him in death on March 2, 2015. He is also preceded in death by his parents, his daughter, Terrie Ann Wilso,n on January 18, 2026; sisters and brothers-in-law: Joyce and Guy Davis, Maralyn and Bob Bobenmoyer, Joan and Earle Mertz; brother-in-law, Larry Munch; and brother and sister-in-law, Howard and Diane Kelley.
He is survived by his sister, Karen K. Munch of Auburn, Pennsylvania; his son, Rex (Ginger) Kelley of Wharton, Ohio; son-in-law, Brent Wilson of Kenton, Ohio; step-daughter, Randie (Chris) Pfister of Lima, Ohio; step-son, Rick (Lisa) Cox of Ridgeway, Ohio; grandchildren: Brandy (Jim) Rowe, Kelli Jo Byers, Tara Wilson, Lacie (Kevin) Crofut, Tammy Carpenter, Rex (Shelli) Kelley, Jr., Danielle (Corey) Foster, Jonathan (Julie) Pfister, Jessica (Matt) Brackman, and Heather (Mike) Struble; great grandchildren: Derek and Miranda Rowe, Bailey Totten, Freya Wallace, Ashley Landon, Zachery and Bethany Crofut, Lauren Cognetti, Jayla and Rhyan Kelley, Zoey Foster, Jaelyn, Journey and Jakoby Pfister, Avery and Lane Brackman and Parker and Zella Struble; one great-great grandchild, Paxton Risner and many nieces and nephews.
Jim retired from DAB after 35 years working as a production supervisor. He spent his retirement traveling with his wife, Dorothy. They enjoyed two extensive trips to Europe, two in Alaska, and one in Hawaii. Cruises were a favorite travel experience, including going around Cape Horn at the southernmost point of South America and going through the Panama Canal.
Jim was a master woodworker and created many beautiful pieces of furniture for Dorothy to display in their home. Many family members received beautiful pieces of furniture expertly made with love by Jim. He was very creative and spent hours creating wooden masterpieces in his woodworking shop.
Pastor Ted Dennis will officiate a graveside service in Fairview Cemetery, Belle Center on Monday, February 9, 2026, at 12:00 p.m.
The family would like to thank John and Toni McPherson for their support to Jim during his final days and to the staff at Mary Rutan Hospital for their expert and loving care.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Jim will be deeply missed by his family but never forgotten. May he rest in peace, knowing he lived a full and wonderful life.
EICHHOLTZ & DARING FUNERAL HOME, & CREMATION CENTER, BELLE CENTER, is honored to serve the Kelley family and encourages anyone to share a fond memory or message of condolence at www.eichholtzdaring.com
