James Kelly Peteete

James Kelly Peteete passed away October 4, 2023 at the Jewell County Hospital ISB unit.

He was born November 4, 1947 at Lackland Airforce Base, San Antonio, Texas to James and Clarice (Kelly) Peteete.

The family moved to Montrose, KS in 1949. Kelly’s roots were in Montrose. He attended school in Montrose, graduating in 1965. From high school he attended one year at Bethany College in Lindsborg, KS then transferred to Cloud County in Concordia, KS where he spent one semester.

In 1967 he enlisted in the National Guard. He served with Detachment 1, 891st engineer, 226th engineer Battalion. During his enlistment he achieved the rank of Sergeant (E-5), earned the ARCAM, Badge & Bar Sharpshooter, rifle. He was honorably discharged in 1973. Kelly re-enlisted in 1974. He earned awards ARCAM, AFRM, Sharpshooter, Rifle M16 and was honorably discharged in 1979.

Kelly bought Bob’s Inn in March of 1978 and sold it in March of 1999. Kelly enjoyed being the owner of Bob’s Inn where many friends and family would come and spend time with him.

After he retired from the Inn, Kelly enjoyed playing cards, fishing, doing odd jobs, traveling and just spending time with friends.

One of his favorite sports was Motocross. He raced for several years and won many trophies. His pride and joy was his 1967 Chevy Chevelle. He entered car shows across the state and was a winner at many of them.

Kelly had an interest in collecting historical military items and was an avid reader of military history.

Kelly was an exceptional brother and friend and will be missed by many.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Clarice Peteete and brother Pat Peteete.

He is survived by brothers, Terry (Rama) Peteete, Kansas City, MO., Mike (Connie) Peteete, Independence, MO., Matthew Peteete, Moundridge, KS., and Sean Peteete, Hays, KS and sisters Linda Maxey, Kansas City, MO, and Becky (Curt) Herrman, Manhattan, KS., sister-in-law Cheryl Raborn, Junction City, KS, 9 nieces and nephews, 15 great nieces and nephews and 4 great, great nieces and nephews.

Kelly’s request was to be cremated and a private family service be held at a later date. There will be a headstone placed at the Pleasant Ridge Cemetery, Republic County, Norway, KS.

Memorials may be made to the Jewell County Hospital/ISB Unit.

For online condolences, please visit kleppingerfuneralhome.com.