James E. Kelley

JAMES E. KELLEY, 87, died peacefully on Sunday, Oct. 16, 2005, at his home in Fort Wayne. Born on a small farm in Decatur, on June 3, 1918, he was one of nine children raised by Charles W. and Minerva (Leichty) Kelley. He graduated from Spencerville High School and studied tool and die making at the General Electric Apprentice School, in Fort Wayne. Moving beyond his formal education, he became a self-taught entrepreneur who quickly learned by doing. He actively pursued his passion for automobiles, flying and golf, turning these interests into successful businesses. He was Chairman of Kelley Automotive Group formed in 1952, which eventually included automobile dealerships in Fort Wayne, Decatur and Evansville, In., along with others in Florida and Georgia. He formed Fort Wayne Leasing in 1954, a major tractor/trailer leasing and rental operation, which he sold to Ryder Truck Rental in 1979. He also began Jim Kelley Leasing in 1969, a pioneer in retail vehicle leasing, to better serve his customers throughout the United States. He was a leader in the aviation field for over 60 years. He was a co-founder with Lester Myers of Myers Field, where he and his partner formed Kelley Flying Service, later moving it to Baer Field. Kelley Flying Service, renamed Fort Wayne Air Service, was based at Fort Wayne International Airport for almost 40 years. He was a certified flight instructor teaching hundreds of students to fly, including both his son and grandson. In addition to providing air charter services, he had become by the mid-1980s one of the leading independent resellers and lessors of corporate jet aircraft. He owned Fairview and Brookwood Golf Courses as well as Sycamore Hills Golf Club, designed by Jack Nicklaus and co-developed with his son, Tom. The latter reflected their desire to bring to Fort Wayne a championship-level golfing experience. He was an unrelenting giver to the community, donating his time and money to many charitable causes, particularly those organizations that helped the needy. These included the McMillen Center for Health Education, Fort Wayne Rescue Mission, the Boys and Girls Club of Fort Wayne, Washington House and Youth for Christ. He was a founding member of the Mad Anthony Charity Classic for Children and a leading benefactor of Canterbury School. His love of farming took him to Eastern Europe where he operated farms and grain elevators. He flew numerous trips himself delivering medical personnel and supplies to the needy in Moldova, a republic situated between Romania and Ukraine. Recognizing his substantial humanitarian contributions on the local, national and international fronts, former Indiana Governor Frank O'Bannon awarded him the "Sagamore of the Wabash," declaring him Indiana's citizen of the year in 2001. He is survived by daughters, Sue (Mike) Horton, Barbara (Martin) Kraegel; son, Tom (Patty) Kelley, all of Fort Wayne; step daughter, Carlabeth (Paul) Mathias of Fishers, Ind.; brother, John of Fort Wayne; sisters, Ruth Jansen of North Port, Fla., Mary Kelley of Fort Wayne, Dorothy Kimes of Auburn and Fay Deright of Murietta, Calif.; nine grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Mary Lavon Kelley; two brothers, Richard and Robert; and one sister, Lucille Kelley. A memorial service is scheduled for 1 p.m. Wednesday at The Chapel, 2505 West Hamilton Road, Fort Wayne, with calling from 2 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at The Chapel. Burial will be in Lindenwood Cemetery. Preferred memorials are to Mr. Kelley's favorite charities or to the Kelley Family Foundation. Arrangements by D.O. McComb & Sons Covington Knolls Funeral Home, 8325 Covington Road.