The Rev. James F. Kelley, 73, a priest for 41 years, died Saturday March 23, 2002 in an airplane accident near Manokotak, Alaska.
Rev. Kelley was born Feb. 25, 1929, in New Bedford, Mass., to Frederick E. and Margaret (Norton) Kelley. He attended Mount Pleasant Grammar School and New Bedford High School, graduating in 1947. After graduating from high school he joined the U.S. Navy before studying for the priesthood. From 1953-57, he attended Cardinal O'Connell College in Jamaica Plain, and St. John's Seminary in Brighton
Rev. Kelley was ordained Feb. 2, 1961, for the Diocese of Fall River, Mass. As an assistant at St. Mary Parish in Mansfield, Mass., 1961-68, he learned to fly.In 1968, he became a Navy chaplain and served the Archdiocese of the Military Ordinate in Washington, D.C., from 1968 until his retirement in 1991.
Rev. Kelley came to Alaska on March 24, 1991. He first lived at King Salmon Air Base and served St. Therese, Naknek, a mission of Holy Rosary, Dillingham. Twice a month he went to Holy Rosary for Mass and for weddings and Baptisms. He became pastor in 1993 and was incardinated in the archdiocese Dec. 17, 1993.His calling was to "Bring the church to the people" and he did this by establishing his "St. Paul Mission," which includes 23 villages. He would visit these villages every couple of weeks to say Mass and instruct his parishioners. He had about 190 families and 600 parishioners in the parish.
Rev. Kelley is survived by his brother, Frederick E. Kelley, Jr., of Norton; three sisters, Denise Crompton and Mary Lou Pursley, both of Gilford, New Hampshire, and Hilary Piccoli of Highland, New York; and nieces and nephews.
A vigil will be held at 7 p.m. Monday April 1, 2002 at Holy Rosary Parish in Dillingham. A Mass of Christian Burial will be said at 3 p.m. Tuesday April 2, 2002 at Dillingham High School with Archbishop Roger L. Schwietz, Archbishop Emeritus Francis T. Hurley and priests of the Archdiocese concelebrating. In Anchorage, a memorial Mass will be celebrated at 12:10 p.m. Wednesday April 3, 2002 at Holy Family Cathedral. Archbishop Roger L. Schwietz will preside.
A Mass of Christian Burial with the Most. Rev. Sean P. O'Malley, bishop of the Diocese of Fall River, officiating, will be celebrated on Wednesday April 10, 2002 at 11 AM in Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, New Bedford. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, New Bedford. Visiting hours will be on Tuesday April 9, 2002 from 4-8 PM in the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to St. Paul Mission at Holy Rosary Parish, P.O. Box 810, Dillingham, AK 99576.