Harold Kelley

James “Harold” Kelley, of Pinedale, Wyoming, passed away peacefully in Tulsa, Oklahoma surrounded by loved ones on May 14, 2024.

Harold was born in El Paso, Texas on July 13, 1952. He was the oldest child of James “Pete” and Marjorie Kelley. In his early 20s, Harold operated heavy equipment in Alaska, which included driving over ice roads. This adventure inspired him to complete a heavy equipment operator program. Harold then worked on a seismograph crew before being hired to work at Cordero Mine in Gillette, Wyoming in 1977. He took pride in operating and maintaining heavy equipment at the mine until he transferred to the Kennecott Uranium Mill north of Rawlins, Wyoming in 2005.

Harold was first and foremost a proud parent. He valued being in the outdoors for both work and play, and he had a passion for hunting, riding his motorcycle, tinkering on projects, adventuring, and simply living life. He enjoyed traveling both near and far – experiencing the places he traveled by not only “seeing” but also “doing.”

Harold was courageous and maintained his positive attitude and sense of humor throughout his illness. He will be remembered as a man of values and integrity who was dedicated to his family and work. He was an intelligent, appreciative, unassuming man with the kindest, most gentle heart – who will forever be loved.

Harold was preceded in death by his dad, James F. “Pete” Kelley, and his son, James B. “JB” Kelley. He is survived by his daughter, Windy Kelley of Pinedale, Wyoming; his mom, Marjorie Kelley of Cushing, Oklahoma; his brothers Royce Kelley (Cindy) of Saratoga, Wyoming, Gary Kelley (Kay) of Whitehouse, Texas, and George Kelley (Cindy) Phoenix, Arizona; his daughter in-law Lydia Kelley of Gillette, Wyoming; and his granddaughter Audrianna Glasscock (Zach) of Fayetteville, Arkansas. He is also survived by aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and many beloved friends.

A celebration of life will be planned for summer 2025 in Wyoming.

In lieu of flowers, consider donating to Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation at https://rmef.org/donate/memorials-honoraria/. Condolences can be sent to Windy Kelley at P.O. Box 542, Pinedale, WY 82941