James Kelleher
Share
Let the family know you care by sharing this tribute
James Kelleher, born 84 years ago in Chicago, IL, died July 3, 2004, at home after a long illness. He was cared for by his wife of 62 years, Victoria and son, Jack, with the help of Catholic Charities Hospice and his cat, Karla. He also leaves two daughters, Laurette Allen and Jeanette Inglett, a son-in-law, Rick Inglett, and five grandchildren. Other surviving family members are his sister, Ginny O’Connor, brother, Phil, both of Chicago and many nieces and nephews. Joining the Army in 1942, he later joined the Army Air Force serving in the 14th Air Force Flying Tigers – the offspring of the original Flying Tiger volunteer organization. He was a tail gunner flying over “hump” from India to China and Japan. In 1943, his B-24 Liberator was shot down over a remote area of China. The natives had never seen Americans but fed him and nine other surviving crew members. After a ten day journey on mule and by foot through rough terrain and jungle, they returned to their base. In a news story about the mission, he described it as “a heck of a long walk.” He was honored with the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with three Clusters and many others. He volunteered for service in Vietnam in 1965. After his retirement from the Air Force, he and his wife moved to the Kansas City area. He worked for Baptist Memorial Hospital and then Trinity Lutheran Hospital as Director of Housekeeping. He loved being around animals and was a devoted visitor to all his pet friends after he retired in 1984. The family requests donations in his memory be sent to Catholic Charities Hospice, 2220 Central Avenue, Kansas City, KS 66102, with special thanks to Liz Montgomery for her extraordinary involvement with him and his family during this last long journey. Military graveside services will be held at the Leavenworth National Cemetery on September 23.
I wish I had known of Mr. Kelleher’s passing at the time for I would have attended his services. I was Mr. Kelleher’s secretary for several years at Trinity Lutheran Hospital. I was young and newly married so money was tight at home. If he and his hospital cronies went out to eat lunch, he would always bring me back a little snack. He told me that his wife enjoyed thrifting and garage sales and he gave me pieces of clothing that she found. Some fit some didn’t, but I was always so touched. We would have long talks about military life, I was a military brat, and life in general. When my husband left me after two years, Mr. Kelleher was so angry at my ex, I thought that he might go looking for him. I remember him talking about his love of White Castle hamburgers and his wish that I try one (there were no White Castles in KC at that time). He was the father that I needed at that time in my life and I am forever grateful to have known him. A gruff exterior with a heart of gold inside!