James Kelly

JAMES KELLY James H. Kelly, 82, of Bettendorf, Iowa, died Sunday, Dec. 23, 2007, at the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House, Genesis VNA, in Bettendorf. A memorial gathering was held Monday, Dec. 24, at The Fountains in Bettendorf. His final resting place will be in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va., at a later date. Weerts Funeral Home in Davenport, Iowa, is assisting the family with arrangements. James was born Aug. 1, 1925, in St. Louis, to James H. and Lena B. Kelly. He served with distinction in the U.S. Army Air Force from 1942 to 1946, achieving the rank of captain. Serving as a bombardier on B-17s during World War II with the 303rd BG, 359th Squadron based in England, James flew a total of 25 missions, earning four air medals and the Distinguished Flying Cross. From 1947 to 1950, he attended Washington University in St. Louis, and after graduating with his bachelor of arts, James furthered his education, pursuing graduate studies in political science. He was a true patriot to his country at the highest level. In 1950, he began his career with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). He served as chief of station in Berlin, Germany; Taipei, Taiwan; and Tokyo, Japan. James retired in 1988, as an assistant deputy director of operations, and was awarded the Distinguished Intelligence Medal and the Donovan Award for extraordinary service to the United States. From 1992 to 2003, he served as a consultant to the CIA. He was a firm believer in education, and stressed its importance to those whose lives he touched. Survivors include his sons, David B. Kelly of Las Vegas, Christopher H. Kelly of Prescott, Ariz., and Joseph J. Kelly of Lancaster, Pa.; grandsons, Gregory, Andrew and Brandon, all of Las Vegas; nieces, Karen Kastner of St. Louis, and Jean Duckworth of Orange, Calif.; former wife, Elinor H. Kelly of McLean, Va.; and his loving friend, Eleanor Koenig of Bettendorf, Iowa. Online condolences may be expressed to Mr. Kelly's family by visiting his obituary at www.WeertsFH.com.