In Loving Memory of

John F. Kelley

SUNRISE May 6, 1919 - SUNSET April 13, 2016

John F. Kelley passed away in a tragic accident on April 13, 2016 in Scottsdale Az.

Born in New York on May 6, 1919, he graduated from the University of New York(Farmingdale) In June 1939. Shortly after he enlisted as a cadet in the Army Air corps (WWII) and received his wings and commission in the class of 42 K at Brooks Field, San Antonio, Texas. He Flew A -24 Dive Bombers in the Aleutian Islands bombing Kiska and Attu. He then returned to the states in late 1943 with assignment at Replacement Pilot training as an instructor.

In June 1944 John married Betty M. Stitt at Woodward Army Air Base in Oklahoma. Following one month of marriage he received orders to join the 507 th Fighter Group and train 10 P-47 Pilots for duty escorting B-29 over the empire. He was promoted to the rank of Captain and flight commander.
Following Intensive Training (Long Range) at AAF's In Nebraska and Darhart TX the 507 th received orders to move to " Ie Shima" ( an island adjacent to Okinawa). After receiving new P-47s on Baby Flat Tops(Navy) the group island hopped across the Pacific via Oahu, Wake, Majuro, Eniwetok ,Tinin, Saipain, and finally le Shima . The group escorted B-29s to targets on the mainland of Japan then they would strafe and drop Napalm on targets.
John Kelley witnessed the Nagazaki "A � Bomb" drop from a distance. He advised his flight "That is it", "The war is over, let's get out of here!"

Following a few flights in the Reserves at Fairfax Field in Kansas City. He joined GMC Truck and Coach. His General Motors career moved the family around the country to Nebraska, Kansas City, Denver, St. Paul, New York, Oakland Ca. His last assignment was National Fleet Sales Manager at GMC Headquarters in Pontiac Michigan. He retired from GM in 1984 and moved to Scottsdale AZ in 1991.

John enjoyed his tenure at Plum Hollow Country Club in Michigan and Ancala Country Club in Scottsdale. He managed to get a hole in one prior to hanging up his clubs.

John and Betty had a son (deceased in 1985) and daughter. He had two granddaughters both of which are married and live in Arizona. He also had three Great Grandsons and he was proud of it.

John cherished his days flying fighters in the Air Force and enjoyed his tenure at the General Motors as the National Fleet Manager. He and Betty made the most of every move around the country making new friends and felt great in every location, especially at home in Scottsdale, Arizona.

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Tributes ~ Condolences ~ Memories

As a kid, I remember Mr. Kelley always coming over to talk to me (in Sonoran Heights neighborhood) interested in anything I was doing, telling me, "You missed a spot!" on cleaning my dirt bike. I'll never forget his big strong handshake and bright blue eyes that were almost God- like to me. Any man would suffice to be 1/2 the man John Kelley was. I, too honor his memory. Grant, son of Kelli Lawhead ~Grant Urbom

John Kelley was always fun to be with and the GMCTruck andCoach family enjoyed many great trips thanks to his help..I enjoyed the video, LynnStelter ~Lynn stelter

My dad, Robert Merz, worked with Mr. Kelley at GMC Truck. Mr. Kelley would come over to our house in Portland, Oregon for dinner, and I remember with great fondness that he taught me how to play pool (billiards). I'm still pretty good thanks to those important first lessons. Lisa (Merz) Toenniges ~Lisa Toenniges

John was a very good friend of ours for many years. We met as part of the close GMC Sales family and the friendship lasted for over 50 years. He was a friendly, charismatic, outgoing man who could always make you laugh with his many stories and jokes. He and Betty were just fun to be with whatever the situation. We now have many wonderful memories to fill our hearts. Our thoughts and prayers are with Cindy during this tragic time. Thanks for the memories, John. Bonnie and Dick Lucas ~Richard and Bonnie Lucas

John had such a terrific spirit that was so evident whenever I would see him. He was our neighbor in Sonoran Heights a few years ago. My sons and I loved to hear him laugh. I will never forget how he inspired students at Desert Mountain High when I asked him to speak to them about his WWII pilot heroism. Many had tears in their eyes. Me too. I loved him and honor his memory. Kelli ~Kelli Lawhead

Our lives were enriched immeasurably during the years we shared with Betty and John. They were great friends and we had sooo much fun giving dinner parties in each other's homes and also with the Jack Clayton's The Three couples played a lot of golf together at the Plum Hollow Country Club. We have so missed them during the years after they moved to Scotsdale. However,we kept in touch and were saddened to hear of Betty's death and one Johns. What wonderful people they were. Betty and Bob Tell ~Betty and Bob Tell

John was a great man that will be deeply missed by all. ~Eric Hildebrand

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