Obituary

Jackie Lee Kelley
January 28, 1927--February 21, 2022

Born on January 28, 1927 in Rockford, IL. He was preceded in death by his father, Carl Kelley and mother, Mina Kelley; brothers Gene and Art Kelley; his wife, Aleatha VickiAnn, and son Kris Kelley.

Jack attended Pendleton Public Schools and graduated in 1945. He participated in all major sports. He served as class president in his sophomore and junior years, as well as student body class president in his sophomore and junior years, as well as student body president in his senior year. He played trumpet in the band and served as student director. He was the welterweight boxing champion of Eastern Oregon. Upon graduation, he received the all-around athletic trophy as well as the citizenship cup for boys.

He joined the army and returned to Pendleton after World War II. He trained and broke horses and competed in riding events in the Northwest rodeos. Later, he went to work for Pendleton music house. He married Aleatha VickiAnn McMahon in 1954, and they celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary on Valentine's Day 2020. He leaves two daughters, Karla and Karin, three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Jack played trumpet in dance bands in the local area for over 60 years, as well as the Happy Canyon Show Band for 50 years. Jack purchased the Pendleton Music House upon the previous owner's retirement, and then later his son Kristopher Kelley, purchased the store and continued to run it until his retirement. Jack and Vicki were known as the dancing Kelleys and were a joy to watch on the dance floor.

He served as chairman of all the class reunions and enjoyed all the monthly class luncheons. Jack was a life member of the Pendleton Country Club, The Elks, and VFW. He was a member of the Eagles, the Jazz Club, Musicians Union, and the Pendleton Drum and Bugle Core. In 2010 Jack was inducted into the Pendleton High School football hall of fame.

There will be a private funeral for family at Olney Cemetery. This obituary is his farewell to friends who he hopes to see in the hereafter.