James G "Biff" Kelley Jr

James “Biff” Kelley Jr, passed away April 12, 2023 from a short illness. He was born in Newport, RI the son of the late James G Kelley Sr and the late Marie R. (Galipeau) Kelley and husband of 40 years to Marie A. (Leger) Kelley.

James, cordially known as Biff, lived in New Bedford his whole life, attending St Joseph’s School, and frequenting Brooklawn Park with his Fielding Street neighborhood friends. He played football at Bishop Stang High School, graduating in 1971 and studied at the Berklee School of Music.

Biff had a long career driving for UPS, servicing all local Southcoast towns, later driving tractor trailers until retiring after 30years. He later drove school bus for local high school sports and field trips.

Biff was a lover of all music and would often say “All when it starts, some when it ends.” As a child, he learned the accordion at the DeRossi School of Music amongst many local teachers and continued playing keyboard in several bands gigging at ballrooms, churches, country clubs and night clubs locally. He was a member of Bob St. Amour Band and Sonny Travers & Friends.

Biff was a member of Teamsters Local 59, American Federation of Musicians Local 214/216 and the 6th Bristol Club.

He is survived by his wife, Marie Kelley; his 4 children, Meghan Kelley-Rosa, Lauren Kelley, Ryan Kelley, Devin Kelley; grandson, Gavin Farmer; many cousins. James is preceded in death by his parents; grandparents, Leonidas and Leona Galipeau and godmother Vivianne Vincent.

In accordance with James’ wishes he will be cremated with a Memorial Service at Boulevard Funeral Home on Saturday, April 22^nd from 11am – 2pm.