James Harold Kelley, age 86 of Marshall, Arkansas died on Thursday, January 5, 2023 at Highland Court in Marshall, Arkansas. He was born in Leslie, Arkansas on July 22, 1936 to Alva Gene “Geney” Kelley and Mary Jane Treat Kelley.

He was a faithful member of the South Mountain Free Will Baptist Church where he filled many roles over the years, including grounds keeper, custodian and superintendent.

He worked for the Searcy County Road Department and retired after 29 years of service. In 2001, he became a board member of Farm Bureau. During that time, he served 10 years as president of the Marshall chapter. He was a board member of the South Mountain Water Association for many years as well. James had a friendly smile for all he met. He loved his community and enjoyed volunteering and helping out whenever possible.

Survivors include his daughter, Carla Kelley Ramsey and son-in-law, Jerome of Springdale; son, James R. Kelley and daughter-in-law, Holly of Hot Springs Village; brothers, Clyde Kelley of Sutter, California and N.A. Kelley and sister-in-law, Lena of Marshall; sister, Donna Cash of Marshall; brother-in-law, Johnnie Thompson of Marshall; sister-in-law, CoreneThompson Daniel and brother-in-law, Wayne of Mabelvale; four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and a host of extended family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Geney and Mary Jane Kelley; wife, Darlene Fern Thompson Kelley who passed away in 2016; sister, Irene Watts; and brothers, Arvilla Kelley, John Kelley, Denver Kelley, J.T. Kelley and Clifford Kelley.

Funeral services for him were 2:00 p.m. Monday, January 9, 2023 at Roller-Coffman Chapel in Marshall, Arkansas with Bro. Chris Reade, Bro. Jimmy Don Tibbetts and Bro. Jim Mize officiating. Visitation was 1:00 until 2:00 p.m. preceding the service. Burial was in East Lawn Cemetery where he was laid to rest beside his beloved wife, Darlene. Friends and family served as pallbearers.

At the family’s request, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Gideons International, Marshall Camp, PO Box 1305, Marshall, AR 72650.

The family would like to thank the staff at Highland Court for their professionalism and dedication to providing compassionate care to James while he was a resident there.