Kelley joined the Army Air Corp. on May 8, 1941 and was assigned duty in Mindinao, Philippines after basic training.   He was an enlisted member of the 440th Aviation Bomb Squadron of the 19th Bomb Group when war began December 7, 1941.   He was one of the few Americans that held Bataan for 98 days against 200,000 enemy soldiers.

The former Sacramento resident worked at Brueners Department Store, Standard Oil, and Aerojet. He retired in 1981 from Hewlett-Packard in Palo Alto.   At Hewlett-Packard he worked in maintenance, manufacturing and customer urgent repair response.

Jack Kelley was born in Elwood, Indiana where he joined the Army Air Corp. the 11th of May 1941.   After his honorable discharge, 10 March 1946 at Beale Air Force Base, he remained in California.   As was common with the youth of that period, Jack Kelley was unable to complete his formal education and sought work at a young age. After his mothers death at age twelve he started his quest to find new experiences.   He worked odd jobs then found work and training in the Civilian Conservation Corps where he became involved in camp boxing and other activities.

"Dad came home from the war without any observable anger," his son Russ Kelley said, "even though he had been badly treated by many of the Japanese guards and solders he met."   After the fall of Bataan in early December 1941, and while defending the beach Jack Kelley suffered a bayonet wound to the chest.   Stuffing his shirt into the wound and not wanting to surrender, Jack escaped into the jungle.   Jack had managed to avoid capture and struggled to reach Corregidor but found the beaches blocked by Japanese soldiers.   When captured (10 May 1942), he was placed among the thousands of fellow soldiers, marines and sailors for the long march to the prisoner holding area at Camp O'Donnell to the North.   He was interned at various camps along the way Bilibid, Mindanao and Cabanatuan.

"The main problem Dad faced as the direct result of being a prisoner-of-war was "wet" beriberi."   This form of beriberi is more common with POWs of the Pacific where white (polished) rice was the staple food. It is also known to cause ischemic heart disease in later life.   Russ Kelley said his Dad regained his weight after returning at 67 pounds and most of his health, but feels the beriberi contributed to his dad's heart condition.

As the war worsened in November, Kelley and hundreds of his fellow prisoners were trucked to Manila and to a waiting cargo ship, the Nagato Maru.   The ship left November 7, 1942 taking him and approximately 1500 others to Osaka Japan.   Seven men died enroute. Another 150 where lined on the deck and never seen again.   Arriving in Osaka, Japan November 25, 1942, he did hard labor in the Mitsubishi Copper Mine and in the nearby rice paddies.

"I remember "Dad" was always talking about caring for other prisoners so that they might also make it back. The attempts to make a small difference so that they might survive." Russ said.   Jack was liberated with others on 12 September 1945 at Hanawa POW Camp, Japan.

He was a life member of the VFW and the Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor.   He received the prisoner of war metal in San Francisco, November 1988.   His long marriage to Velma Olive Cooper-Kelley, lasted 46 years during which they raised four sons, Jack (of South Lake Tahoe, Ca.), Bob (Died Vietnam 1970, 101st Airborne Combat Tracker Team), Mel (of Lotus, Ca.) and Russ Kelley (of Loomis, Ca.).   In addition to his wife and four sons, survivors include six grandsons, one grand daughter and four great-grand children. Nephews Robert Kelley (of Lodi Ca.), Larry Kelley (Dothan, Al.) and niece Colleen Kelley (of Florida).   Naomi Kelley (of Elwood, Ind.).

In retirement "Dad's" daily routine was to enjoy and share life.   He would get on the bus or walk the streets of the area he lived Placerville, Roseville (the past 6 years) and Auburn.   Jack was one of the best users of the public transportation systems that allowed him to retain his wandering traits.   He would always greet you with a smile and some casual conversation, as he was never without words.   If you had the time he might even tell you one of the stories of his life. He visited many businesses to say hello and even lend a hand if needed, and then he was on his way.   Never was he a person without something to do and never to busy to just talk.   If Jack Kelley or just Jack does not show up for some conversation this next week feel fortunate that you were one of his special friends he chose to share part of his life, even if for justa few short minutes.   If by chance you knew him and you see one of us Kelleys all that need be said is "I knew Jack".