IN LOVING MEMORY OF
John Andrew
Kelley
January 24, 1948 – October 26, 2018
Obituary
John Andrew Kelley Jr.
(Butch - Dr. Jam - Dad)
January 24, 1948 - October 26, 2018
Transitioned this life at the age of 70 in Marietta, Georgia
John was born to the late John A. Kelley, Sr. and Lucille Mayo Kelley in Steubenville, Ohio, but raised in Weirton, West Virginia.
John attended public school in Weirton graduating from Weir High School. After high school, John joined the United States Army. While he was in the military his field of operation was music and entertaining his fellow troops. He received an honorable discharge after serving eight years in the service. He continued to live in Kassel, Germany where he began his life of music.
For 15 years John (Dr. Jam) would deliver soul through music in Germany and entertain the masses at the "Last Penny" International Soul Discotheque in Kassel. While in Germany he would meet and marry (at Weirton's Mount Olive Baptist Church) Helga Steril and later Karen Dembeck, the mother of his daughter. Leaving Germany Dr. Jam would return to Weirton where he worked for Alex Lyons ("The Lyons Den" - If you acted crazy you could be banned for life) as a D.J. and Bartender as well as providing assistance to his mother and father. When he lost his parents another life would start for him in College Park, Georgia. Dr. Jam was known for his musical innovation, especially at the Talisman Club.
After leaving College Park he moved to Marrietta, Georgia where he was an established cook for Waffle House Inc., working there for many years while continuing to establish his music and D.J. experience in the area until his illness.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Lucille Kelley; his wife Delphine Byrom Kelley; and his cousin Goose.
He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his daughter, Denise (Edward) Lietz; his grandchildren Tyone and Jazzlynn Kelley, all of Germany; his sister, Andrea Murray, of Columbus, Ohio; his nephews, Craig Murry, Jr., and BJ "Baby John" Murray; and his brother-in-law, Craig Murray, Sr., all of Wintersville, Ohio. Many cousins, friends, and the Waffle House crew; his special friend, Jason Bryant formerly of the S.O.S. Band; his caregiver Yvette Jones, of Marietta, Georgia; his D.J. Boys from West Virginia/Ohio; Billy Jam and Buff.
Dr. Jam: "His Castle of love for music has come to an end, The doctor has made his last call!"
The family has chosen cremation. A memorial service is planned at a later date in Marrietta, Georgia
Humbly submitted by:
- The family of John A. Kelley, Jr.
[Courtesy Run]
(Butch - Dr. Jam - Dad)
January 24, 1948 - October 26, 2018
Transitioned this life at the age of 70 in Marietta, Georgia
John was born to the late John A. Kelley, Sr. and Lucille Mayo Kelley in Steubenville, Ohio, but raised in Weirton, West Virginia.
John attended public school in Weirton graduating from Weir High School. After high school, John joined the United States Army. While he was in the military his field of operation was music and entertaining his fellow troops. He received an honorable discharge after serving eight years in the service. He continued to live in Kassel, Germany where he began his life of music.
For 15 years John (Dr. Jam) would deliver soul through music in Germany and entertain the masses at the "Last Penny" International Soul Discotheque in Kassel. While in Germany he would meet and marry (at Weirton's Mount Olive Baptist Church) Helga Steril and later Karen Dembeck, the mother of his daughter. Leaving Germany Dr. Jam would return to Weirton where he worked for Alex Lyons ("The Lyons Den" - If you acted crazy you could be banned for life) as a D.J. and Bartender as well as providing assistance to his mother and father. When he lost his parents another life would start for him in College Park, Georgia. Dr. Jam was known for his musical innovation, especially at the Talisman Club.
After leaving College Park he moved to Marrietta, Georgia where he was an established cook for Waffle House Inc., working there for many years while continuing to establish his music and D.J. experience in the area until his illness.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Lucille Kelley; his wife Delphine Byrom Kelley; and his cousin Goose.
He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his daughter, Denise (Edward) Lietz; his grandchildren Tyone and Jazzlynn Kelley, all of Germany; his sister, Andrea Murray, of Columbus, Ohio; his nephews, Craig Murry, Jr., and BJ "Baby John" Murray; and his brother-in-law, Craig Murray, Sr., all of Wintersville, Ohio. Many cousins, friends, and the Waffle House crew; his special friend, Jason Bryant formerly of the S.O.S. Band; his caregiver Yvette Jones, of Marietta, Georgia; his D.J. Boys from West Virginia/Ohio; Billy Jam and Buff.
Dr. Jam: "His Castle of love for music has come to an end, The doctor has made his last call!"
The family has chosen cremation. A memorial service is planned at a later date in Marrietta, Georgia
Humbly submitted by:
- The family of John A. Kelley, Jr.
[Courtesy Run]
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