Bishop James Merrill Kelley, age 88, passed away on Thursday, March 2, 2017, in Leesburg, Virginia.  Bishop Kelley was predeceased by his parents, Clarence and Edith (Arbuckle) Kelley and one granddaughter, Faith Victoria Pisani.

James was born in Brownsburg, IN, near Speedway.  He attended General Motors Institute in Michigan and Apostolic Bible Institute in St. Paul, MN.  In 1952, he entered the ministry which became his lifelong passion. He pastored for many years in Indiana, West Virginia and Virginia.  Bishop Kelley served as District Superintendent of the Virginia District, United Pentecostal Church Intl. (UPCI), for 20 years and was a member of the General District Board of the UPCI during that time and an honorary member after his retirement until his passing.

Survivors include his loving wife of 56 years, Eleanor G. (Bess) Kelley; four children --daughter Jennifer K. Adams of Leesburg, VA; son Jonathan M. Kelley and wife Charla of Manassas, VA; daughter Crystal D. Kelley and wife Lori Ramsey of Arlington, VA; daughter Rachel R. Pisani and husband Louis, Jr., of Leesburg, VA; 7 grandchildren and 2 great granddaughters.

The family will receive friends on Monday, March 6, 2017 from 10-11 am and 12:45-2:00 pm.  Funeral Services will be at 2:00 pm at Capital Community Church, 20430 Ashburn Village Blvd, Ashburn, VA 20176.  Private interment will be held on Tuesday at Mount Comfort Cemetery in Alexandria, VA.