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 Dalhart TX the 507 th received orders to move to " Ie Shima" ( an island adjacent to Okinawa). After re ...
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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 Dalhart 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.



The services below are accurate and will be taking place.
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