James Albert Kelley

James A. Kelley (Jim), 86, of Geneva and formerly of Batavia passed away Friday, September 2, 2022, at his home.  He was born November 14, 1935, in Aurora, IL the son of William Franklin and Helen Mae (Ochsenschlager) Kelley.

Jim was a graduate of West Aurora High School and received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Michigan State University, where he was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. He joined the Marine Corps immediately after college where he served his country faithfully. In 1963 he joined his father in running the family hardware store, Kelley’s True Value (later known as Kelley’s Ace Hardware) in Aurora. In addition to his business savvy, he served his community by joining the Aurora Chamber of Commerce. Jim was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He exuded warmth, kindness, and generosity to all he met. He enjoyed golf and travel. He will be dearly missed.

 He is survived by his wife Barbara Maxwell-Kelley; three children, Patricia Willinger, Ellen Field, and Steven (Jennifer) Kelley; eight grandchildren, Sara, Abby, Caroline Willinger, Claire, Benjamin, Julia Field, and Will and Lydia Kelley and his former wife Julia Kelley. 

Visitation will be held 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. Wednesday, September 7, 2022, at Moss Family Funeral Home, 209 South Batavia Ave. Batavia, IL. 

Funeral service will be held 10:30 A.M. Thursday, September 8, 2022, at Congregational Church of Batavia, 21 South Batavia Ave. Batavia, IL.  He will lie in state at the church from 9:30 A.M. until the time of the service.  Interment will follow the visitation at Lincoln Memorial Park, Aurora, IL.   

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Congregational Church at 21 South Batavia Ave. Batavia, IL 60510, or the charity of the donor’s choice.