James Michael Kelly was born on October 6, 1948, with his twin sister Patti. She was a loving part of his life for over 73 years. The twins were born in Kansas City, Missouri to James Virgil and Margaret (Fountain) Kelly. Mike, as he was known to most people, graduated High School in Des Moines, Iowa in 1966. He began a career as a long-distance truck driver at the age of 14 and continued that for the remainder of his life, obtaining the goal of one million miles driven before retiring. He was drafted into the US Army in 1968 and served 2 tours in Vietnam as a proud member of The Big Red One, obtaining the rank of Spec 4, and being awarded several medals for his service. His proudest accomplishment, and one which he displayed frequently was the C.I.B. or Combat Infantryman Badge, a medal only awarded to a soldier who has been in active ground combat. He also was awarded 2 Purple Hearts for wounds received and an Army Commendation Medal with “V” for Valor and 2 Oak Leaf Clusters for his work as a helicopter air crewman in 1969 and 1970. He retired near his sister Patti in the late 1990s in Oak Grove, MO. In that relationship Mike became the recipient of the love and charms of grandchildren who brought a lot of fun times and emotional stability into his life by just being near them. Mike was preceded in death by his father James. His mother Margaret F. Anderson of Nokomis, FL still lives today at the age of 98. Mike has 4 sisters, Marlene Rempe of Prescott, AZ, Patti Brown of Oak Grove, SeDonna Kelly of Independence, and Kerri Matthews of Lakeland, FL. Brothers-in Law are Mike Brown of Oak Grove, Bob Rempe of Arizona and Rick Matthews of Florida. As a member of the American Legion Post 379 Mike has befriended many local people with his friendly demeanor, always lending a helping hand to anyone in need. He was always one to give aid to those in distress and he had a soft heart for the down and out people in this life. In his spare time, he enjoyed watching old westerns on television. He loved cars and had quite a collection. He enjoyed music and playing the slots. He looked forward to going to the Davis Senior Center where people welcomed him, and he enjoyed the food. He felt treated each week with Sunday dinner at his sister’s house. He was an independent soul, and he worked best by himself. He would tackle any job no matter how large. Amazing things happened. Large, heavy loads moved by magic when Mike put his mind to it. He loved his family and was so proud of all of them. He will be truly missed. Rest in Peace “Brother Mike”.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 1st at Royer Funeral Home, Oak Grove. Graveside services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 2nd in Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville, MO.
Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home, Oak Grove, MO 816-690-4441