James Michael Kelley

James Michael "Mike" Kelley passed away on Friday, July 21, 2023. He was born September 9, 1947, to John Wesley Kelley and Janelle Cora Williams.

Mike graduated in 1966 from Permian High School and was a very proud Panther. He was involved in planning all of the High School Reunions. He was drafted and chose the United States Air Force, serving four years and was honorably discharged as Sargent/Security Police 5074 Air Force Base Squadron. Mike was stationed at Osan Air Base in Korea and Wildwood Air Force Station in Kenai Alaska. Mike loved his Country and was extremely proud to serve in the U S Air Force. The friends that he made have been lifelong friends and he has stated many times that it was the best time of his life. Mike's son-in-law, Jake Weller will play "Taps" at the gravesite in honor of his Patriotism. After his time in the service, he joined Southwestern Bell Telephone. He was extremely proud that he installed Singer Tanya Tucker's Pink Princess telephone, in Seminole, Texas, (he told that story many times). Mike loves Law Enforcement and joined the Sheriff's Department in the 90's. He was Head of Security at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center for 13 years. After leaving the Center he returned to the Sheriff's Department and finished his Career in 2012 (special love to Bob Brookshire). After retiring he loved to visit with his friends at Chick-fil-A for morning coffee and in the afternoon visiting with friends at the American Legion. Mike was always home by 6:30 P. M. to watch his favorite show, Wheel of Fortune telling the group he had to get home to see what Vanna White is wearing!

He is preceded in death by his father, John Kelley; mother, Janelle Kelley; and his sister, Judy Webster.

Survivors are his wife, Sue Kelley; Aunt, Gwen Turner; daughter, Jamie Kelley and husband Jake Weller; daughter, Lea Kelley; daughter, Amy Kelley and husband David Tubman; daughter, Wendy Vincent and husband, Brady Vincent; his grandchildren, Liam Kelley, Austin Vincent and Baylee Vincent; his brother-in-law and mentor, Bill Webster; four nieces, Lisa, Lori, Leslie and Kelley, as well as husbands & children. Mike was a wonderful husband, father, uncle, nephew, and Paw Paw who will be greatly missed.

He had so many close friends and was raised with Bill Burchert as a brother. To all of Mike's friends, please believe that he cherished your friendship and loved you all dearly.

If you would like to send a donation in Mike's memory, you can send it to either of these places:

Westminster Presbyterian Church, Food Pantry, 4901 Maple, Odessa, Texas 79762.