James Gover Kelley, 81, of Moreland, Kentucky, passed away on August 22, 2026, surrounded by his family.  Jim was born on July 25, 1945, in Stanford, Kentucky, to James H. Kelley and Eva Saunders Gover Kelley.

Jim married the love of his life, Nancy Jeffries Kelley, on August 17, 1968, and they had just celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary.  Jim was Nancy's faithful protector, devoted husband, and best friend. They were inseparable until his final moments. If you saw Jim, you saw Nancy too. Through the years, they enjoyed traveling to Daytona Beach, Florida, playing Rook with Dale and Judy, and in later years, taking trips to Indiana or Tennessee to shop or sightsee.  Jim was a real-life example of what it means to be a Christian husband.

Jim was the proud father of Brian Kelley of Lancaster, Linda (Joe) Dewees of Stanford, and Lee Ann (Brad) Smith of Stanford. Jim loved his children deeply and never missed the important moments in their lives - even soccer games or track meets which admittedly weren't his favorites. Brian, Linda, and Lee Ann always knew they were loved, supported, and never alone.  Their dad was always just one phone call away on his beloved flip phone.

Later in life, Jim's greatest joy became his grandchildren.  He adored Jack, Bear and Becca and was always present in their lives, no matter what they were doing.  He never missed a game and was their number one fan.  He wasn't only a fan of his grandchildren; he was a fan of their friends too.  He loved getting to know the people his grandchildren cared about. Some of his favorite moments were watching Jack play first base, Bear make a three pointer, and Becca grab a rebound. Jim loved cheering for every kid and talking to everyone in the crowd.  He also generously provided the kids with cash for concession stands through the years. He truly was the best Papa you could ask for.

Jim's greatest love, aside from his family, was his love for God and Moreland Christian Church.  He was a long-time elder at Moreland Christian and loved serving his church family. He was very mission-minded and was always thinking of ways to help others.  His way of helping was often quiet and behind the scenes.  He would get somebody on his mind, stop by to check on them, or drop them off some groceries.  He was a true man of action, not simply words, and anyone that knew Jim knew his faith was lived out in the way he cared for people.

Jim retired as a math teacher from Danville High School, but he never really retired from working. He continued farming up to his final days.  He served for many years on the Lincoln County Board of Education and was a devoted member of Men for Christ.  He enjoyed cooking ribeyes with the Lincoln County Cattleman's Association and was always willing to give his time and energy to make his community better. Jim really liked to get out and be social.  He loved developing meaningful relationships and getting to truly know people.

It would be impossible to mention Jim without mentioning some of his favorite things: country music, cutting hay, feeding cattle, peanut butter, cinnamon rolls, sweets of every kind (except chocolate), going to Renfro Valley with Brian, and the Weather Channel. His sports teams were the Kentucky Wildcats, Cincinnati Reds, Cincinnati Bengals, and any Lincoln County team - especially when one of his grandchildren was playing. He loved a good nap and stopping by Boyle's Feed Store and Lawson Tractor to catch up with his buddies.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his brother Harold; his infant brother Howard; and his best friend Dale Smith.

Jim leaves behind much more than memories.  He leaves behind a life that was faithfully lived, a family that was deeply loved, a church and community that were strengthened by his service, and countless people who were better because Jim took the time to know them and care about them. His legacy is found in the lives he touched, the family he cherished, the people he helped, and the faith he lived out everyday. His family finds comfort in knowing that the life he lived was rooted in faith and never wavered and they know they will see him again one day.

Visitation will be held at Moreland Christian church on Saturday, August 29, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  A funeral service will follow immediately at 2 p.m., officiated by Bro. David Smith. Burial will follow in Buffalo Springs Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Joe Dewees, Brad Smith, Jack Smith, Bear Smith, Chris Jeffries, Chris Cooper, and Edgar Richards.  Honorary pallbearers will be Brian Kelley, Steve Kelley, Paul Rankin, and Gary Griffin.

Memorial Contributions suggested to Moreland Christian Church - Benevolence Fund.

W.L. Pruitt is in charge of the arrangements.