James E. Kelley, age 58, of Westbrook, Maine, passed away peacefully on July 29, 2026.

Born on August 4, 1967, in Gardiner, Maine, Jim was the son of Agnes Marie Bronn and the late James F. Kelley. He was a proud graduate of Pittston Consolidated Grammar School, Gardiner High School, and St. Joseph's College in Standish, Maine. 

Jim worked in the past for the State of Maine, the YMCA, and City of Portland, But for many years, Jim served as the Risk and Procurement Manager at Bowdoin College, where he was known not only for his professionalism but also for his kindness and unwavering support for his colleagues. Jim was the person everyone turned to for advice, and he had a special gift for making others feel heard and valued. He was a beloved friend and coworker, always willing to go the extra mile without question.

A passionate soul, Jim found joy in baking and knitting, using his talents to create warmth and happiness in the lives of those he loved. He particularly cherished the special moments spent with his fur baby, Mabel, a Cavalier King Charles, and he treasured the time spent with Cameron.

He was preceded in death by his father James F. Kelley, beloved siblings: Patrick Kelley and Todd Robin Kelley, grandparents Thelma and Leonard Kelley and Mildred and Ellsworth H. Blodgett, and stepfather Raymond A. Bronn, Jr. Among those welcoming Jim Home is his beloved uncle, Phillip Alexander, Sr., whose steadfast Love & Fatherly devotion left an enduring Legacy in his Life. Though called his uncle, he was, in every way that mattered, the father who Raised & Loved him.

Jim is survived by his devoted spouse, Cameron M. Thomas, who he married on August 30, 2017, his mother A. Marie Bronn, siblings, Theresa C. Bouthot, Valerie L. Kelley, Allan R. Bronn, Adam Kelley, and Karen M. Kelley, niece Michelle Kelley Eaton, nephews Chris Bouthot, Stephen Bouthot, Jeremiah Emery, Jonathan Emery, special cousins Marion Alexander, Nettie Mae Alexander and Phillip Alexander, Jr. as well as his beloved Cavalier King Charles Mabel.

a Private Graveside Service will be held, as well as A Celebration of Jim’s life will that will be announced at a later date, allowing all those whose lives he touched to come together in love and remembrance.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial contributions be made to the Upward Bound Program, a cause deeply meaningful to Jim. Donations may be mailed to Bowdoin College, 4100 College Station, Brunswick, ME 04011, with "Jim Kelley" or "Upward Bound" noted in the memo line. Donations can also be made online at [https://Bowdo.in/Upwardbound]

Jim will be greatly missed but never forgotten. He leaves behind a legacy of compassion, dedication, and love that will continue to inspire all fortunate enough to have known him.