John Thomas "Jack" Kelley

JOHN THOMAS "JACK" KELLEY Funeral Mass for longtime Cortez resident John Thomas "Jack" Kelley will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, February 15 at Ertel Memorial Chapel. Father Pat Valdez, C.R. will officiate. Military Honors will be provided by the Ute Mountain American Legion Post #75. Private Interment will take place at Bayfield Cemetery, Bayfield, Colo. A Rosary will be held on Thursday, February 14 at 7 p.m. at Ertel Memorial Chapel. Jack passed away at his home on Wednesday, February 7, 2013 at the age of 79. Jack was born May 28, 1933 in St. Louis, Mo. to John Ambrose and Lavina Elizabeth (Sieferd) Kelley. Jack married Carolyn Ruth Pierce on April 28, 1962 in Albuquerque, N.M. To this union three children were born, Paula, Jeanie and John T. Jack served his country as a member of the Air Force. He worked for Mountain Bell, was a water well driller in New Mexico, and helped to build the ski runs at Angel Fire. He operated the Sportsman Chevron and owned and operated Park Street Chevron and Jacco Distributing for many years in Cortez. Jack was a longtime resident of Cortez but lived and ran a business in Bayfield, Colo. for 22 years as well. Jack was an Elks member. He loved spending time outdoors fishing, camping and hunting. Jack also loved to tinker. Dancing with his wife of 50 years brought Jack much enjoyment. Surviving Jack are his wife, Carolyn Kelley of Cortez; two daughters, Paula Bair and husband, Lyle of Cortez and Jeanie Matthews and husband, Dean of Dolores; son, John T. Kelley and wife, Jenna of Fruita, Colo.; grandchildren, J.D. Bair, Mariah Bair, Randy Matthews, Kelley Matthews, Becky Kelley, Melissa Kelley, Lane Kelley, and Leia Kelley; one great grandchild; sister, Carol Loy and husband, Danny of California; nephew, R.J. Loy also of California; and brothers-in-law, Ray Pierce and wife, Pricillia, Hal Pierce and wife, Jan, John Pierce, Richard Pierce and wife, Bev, and Mike Pierce and wife, Collette. Jack was preceded in death by his parents; a granddaughter, Kymber Leah Bair; his father-in-law, Gilbert Pierce; and by his mother-in-law, Patricia Pierce. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association 701 Camino del Rio, Ste. 32, Durango, Colo. 81301.