Somersworth- James E. Pelkey Jr, 78, of Somersworth formerly a long-time resident of Eliot, died on October 24, 2026 at his home with his loved ones.

Jim was born and raised in Keene, NH on July 1, 1948 a son of the late James E Sr and Leona R. (Lee) Pelkey. He attended Keene Schools and the University of New Hampshire.

Following High School, he worked for FW Woolworths as an Assistant Manager. He began an over forty-year career with the United States Government when he entered the United States Navy, serving several tours in Vietnam, receiving a number of awards including the Purple Heart after being seriously wounded in battle. Following his years of military service he worked at the Portsmouth Post Office where he was a strong and fair Union Steward for many years. Following retirement, he continued to work part time at the Eliot post Office where he was a welcoming friendly and helpful face behind the counter. After his time working full time, he enjoyed part-time work with his son and grandson at the JS Pelkey and Son and Bernier Funeral Homes.

Active in his community he and close friends founded the still popular “Kruise Knights” Rods, Customs and Classic Car Club that hosts Saturday Night Cruises in the summer in Eliot for years. He owned and operated “Jims Auto “ in Eliot for many years specializing in building Custom Cars, many earning awards throughout.

He met and married his loving wife Carol (Ricker) Phaneuf and together they enjoyed twenty-one years of travel in their motorhome, being Winter Texans in Rockport Texas and enjoying their home in Pine Bluff North Carolina near his sister Sam and brother-in-law Don, before returning to Maine to enjoy the summers at Sand Pond Campground and Walnut Grove.

He was always counted on for offering to help anyone who needed, it whether with auto projects, home repairs or offering a time by the fire and a beer or twenty.

He is survived by his loving wife Carol, his son Jeffrey Pelkey and Daughter Jennifer L. Cray daughter in law Julia Pelkey and son in law Rick Cray. His beloved stepchildren Rob Phaneuf and his Partner Theresa Tuttle and Stephanie Memoli and her husband Salvatore. His grandchildren were the highlight of his life and enjoyed spending time on their visits. His grandchildren include Justin M. Pelkey, Ryan and Garratt Cray, Sal Memoli, Tarra Hanson, and Destiney Richie and several great grandchildren. He is survived by his beloved siblings, Sandra Garratt and her husband Donald and his brother Michael Pelkey, he also leaves behind his nieces and nephews Michele Sparano, Christi Lorduy and her husband Javier and their son , James Garrett and his wife Monique and their children and Jack Garratt and his wife Sarah and their son. He also leaves behind his former wife Joan Pelkey and her partner Dennis Gaffney and her family, including brothers and sisters in law and their families that he still included as is family. as well as many friends and bonus family members. He is predeceased by his parents and aunts and uncles.

Everyone is invited to celebrate his life and support his family at a short memorial service with military honors on Sunday November 8, 2026 at 2pm in the First Congregational Church of North Berwick, UCC at 15 High Street North Berwick Maine 03906. With the Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Hoffman and Pastor Jeffrey S. Pelkey Officiating. Followed by a time of refreshment and sharing in the church parish hall. Online condolences maybe made by visiting www.jspelkeyfuneralhome.com . Donations may be made in his memory to the First Congregational Church of North Berwick POB 565 North Berwick Maine 03906.