William James "Jim" Kelley

William James “Jim” Kelley, 76, passed away on Thursday, February 23, 2023 in Los Alamitos, California. He was born January 29, 1947 in Berlin, Germany following World War II to U.S. Army Officers Arthur Henry “Jim” and Agnes Elizabeth “Betty” McCaw Kelley. He was a long-time resident of Denver, Colorado prior to relocating to Long Beach, California in 1983. He is survived by his loving children, Catherine (Lucas) Silva, Robert (Erin) Kelley, and Marcella (Tyler) Kelley-Wideman. He is also survived by his three cherished grandchildren, Wilson James Silva “W1”, Walker Lucas Silva “W2”, and Riley Moore Kelley who knew him as Granddad. In addition, Jim is survived by his wonderful siblings, Kathleen (Paul) Howell and Thomas Kelley, as well as many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, beloved brother, John Kelley, and sister-in-law, Doris Kelley.

Jim graduated from Blessed Sacrament Catholic School and Bishop Machebeuf High School in Denver, CO and Colorado College in Colorado Springs, CO. After a brief stint skiing and bartending in Winter Park, CO after college, Jim began his 40-year career in the insurance business.

After moving to Southern California in 1983, Jim and his former wife, Catherine Harp Kelley, moved into the Virginia Country Club neighborhood of Long Beach, where they raised their three children and became close friends with several dear neighbors. Jim was a long-time member of Saint Barnabas Catholic Church, and his children graduated from Saint Barnabas Parish School. On school breaks, Jim made sure to introduce his California kids to his love of the outdoors in the Rocky Mountains, including his favorite hobbies of fishing and horseback riding.

Jim retired in 2007, completing his career at UnitedHealthcare as Senior Vice President of Labor & Trust. He got immense joy from leading his team to success and was known by his colleagues for his commitment to excellence, competitive drive, and integrity.

Jim had a debilitating stroke in May 2010 that abruptly ended his driving and travel days. His miraculous recovery from that injury was a testament to his fortitude, perseverance, and strength. His hard work in recovering enabled him to live to get to know his children’s spouses (and beloved dogs!) and become a grandfather three times over. Though the last several years were tough in many ways, his humor, intellect, faith, and love never faltered, and his family will forever cherish the memories made in his company during this time.

A funeral mass will be held at Saint Hedwig Catholic Church, located at 11482 Los Alamitos Blvd., Los Alamitos, CA on Saturday, March 4, 2023 at 10:30 a.m., followed by a celebration of his life at Parkers’ Lighthouse at 12:30 p.m., located at 435 Shoreline Village Dr., Long Beach, CA 90802.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Heart and Stroke Association or Meals on Wheels in Jim’s honor.

Luyben Dilday Mortuary (562) 425-6401