Obituary of James Perry Kelley

James Perry Kelley, 85, passed away in his home surrounded by many members of his loving family on August 1, 2023.

Perry was born on October 2, 1937 to Warren and Ruth Kelley in Boise, Idaho. He grew up in Meridian, Idaho where he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and being involved in the Boy Scouts of America program. He attended Boise Junior College, followed by the University of Colorado in Boulder for his undergraduate degree. He earned his Masters degree from the University of Idaho. Starting in 1960, he taught band at several different high schools in Idaho and Oregon. In 1977, he began teaching choir at Weiser High School where he stayed until he retired in 1996. Most of his proudest career moments came from teaching in the Weiser schools—most notably the eight musicals he directed.

In 1961, Perry met Sally Roundy in McCall, Idaho. Perry and Sally got married in 1962, and went on to have four children: Suzy, Greg, Shannon, and Mike. The Kelley family enjoyed many activities together, including singing, camping, playing games, and spending time in nature. Perry and Sally were devoted to each other for the 58 years they spent together until Sally passed away in December of 2020. He has missed her immensely since her death.

Perry and Sally taught together, retired together, and traveled together after their retirement. They were heavily involved in the Weiser Little Theater where Perry acted, directed, and constructed sets as well as served as a board member for many years. Perry was a member of the Lion’s Club where he held positions of leadership locally, regionally, and internationally. Fly fishing was Perry’s true passion, and he was proud to be a founding member of the Indianhead Fly Fishers club. Perry and Sally were devoted parents, grandparents, and great grandparents. His grandchildren and great grandchildren were treated with Grandpa’s famous colored pancakes whenever they came to visit.

Perry was predeceased by his wife, Sally; his parents, Warren and Ruth Kelley; and his siblings, Elinor and Keith. He is survived by his children, Suzy (Ron) Brown, Greg Kelley, Shannon (Brock) Cheney, and Mike (Wendie) Kelley, as well as his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

A viewing will be held at Thomason Funeral Home in Weiser on Friday, August 11 from 6-8 p.m. Services will also be held at Thomason Funeral Home on Saturday, August 12 at 11:00 a.m. The Kelley family looks forward to celebrating the life of their father, grandfather, and great grandfather with as many of Perry’s friends as possible.