James Patrick Kelley III

Calais – James Patrick Kelley III, 60, passed away on December 31, 2018 at Calais Regional Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer. James was born in Calais on March 28, 1958 to James and Jean (Keen) Kelley where he attended school and raised hell.

James joined the United States Air Force shortly after high school, which took him to Oklahoma where he met the most amazing woman, Donna Collins. James and Donna were married and together moved back to Calais to raise a family.

Over the years James worked as a retail manager for several companies around town, he did well regardless of where he was employed simply because he was a hard worker and a people person. Above all, James was a family man, his favorite place on earth was camp. He longed for relaxing afternoons on Nash’s Lake with his family for barbecues and laughter. James enjoyed collecting antiques and postcards. The greatest enjoyment was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, whom called him Baba.

James was predeceased by his beloved wife Donna in 2014. Surviving are his parents, James Kelley II and Jean (Keen) Kelley; four children, Tonya Stewart and husband Jonathan of Sturgeon Lake, MN, Candy Kelley and husband Randy Welch of Calais, Tara Small and husband Pat of Calais, and Kayla Barber and husband Matt of St. Stephen, NB; four grandchildren, Cameron Kelley, Summer Stewart, Isaac Stewart and William Small; a sister Katherine Kelley of Orrington; a brother David Kelley of Rye, NH; two nieces, Alison Kelley and Mandi Lawless; two nephews, Liam Kelley and Joe Lyons; many cousins and numerous friends.

A celebration of James’ life will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, January 5, 2018 at Mays Funeral Home, 26 Church St., Calais.

Affiliations