James D. McKelvy, Buddy, as he was affectionately known as, 90, passed from this life at Southwest Louisiana War Veterans Home in Jennings, La. on Jan. 26, 2024, with his loved ones by his side. Buddy proudly served in the United States Air Force in EOD, Explosive Ordinance Disposal, in Lake Charles, La., South Korea, England, San Antonio, Texas, Wake Island, and many other stations. He retired after 21 years of honorable service as a TSgt. After retirement Buddy worked for the Honda Shop #9 in Orville, Calif., before settling back in Southeast Texas, where he worked in the oil field, offshore, as an electrician and HVAC technician. Buddy finally settled in Buna, Texas, where he and his wife, Judy, finished raising their children. They also bred dogs and later Arabian horses on their ranch they called “JMACK Arabians”. Buddy spent the last few years of his life in Sulphur, La., before moving to the VA home in Jennings, La.

Those left to cherish Buddy’s memory are his sons, Brian K. Norman (Tammy), Brad McKelvy (Janice), Alexander (born Donald Lee McKelvy) Kelvy; grandchildren, Cash Norman, Houston Norman, Sierra Norman, Mark McKelvy (Josephine), Daphne McKelvy (Stephanie),  Luke McKelvy (Lakyn),  Jennifer Stamps (Adel), Kaitlin Harris, Meghan Harris, Paul Harris, Carson Crosby (Taelyn), Travis Crosby; nine great-grandchildren,  and sister, Janice Moffett (Wayne).

Buddy is preceded in death by his wife, Judy McKelvy; children, Gena Norman, Gaylynn Wilkison McKelvy; parents, Adolphus J. and Jesse McKelvy; sisters, JoAnn Bush, and Betty Glover. 

The family would like to thank the awesome staff at Southwest Louisiana War Veterans Home for their care, respect, and compassion, for Buddy, and all the residents there. 

Services for Buddy will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024, at Johnson and Robison Funeral Home with burial to follow at Antioch Cemetery in Buna, Texas, Randy Hartwell will officiate. The family will receive guests from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m., Friday, Feb. 2, 2024, at Johnson and Robison Funeral Home and will continue Saturday from 8 a.m. until time of service. Words of comfort to the family may be left at www.robisonfuneralhome.com.