When the Louisiana Political Hall of Fame Banquet is held April 5 in the Civic Center, former mayor Max Kelley will be one of the 7 newest inductees to join an elite list of 230 who have previously been selected for this honor.
James Maxwell “Max” Kelley was a man whose life embodied leadership, service, and a deep love for his hometown of Born on August 6, 1952, Max was the youngest of four children. The Kelley family was deeply rooted in Winn Parish. His mother, Florene, was a dedicated schoolteacher from Gaars Mill, and his father, Howard, was a respected local businessman.
Max grew up in a neighborhood filled with friends and laughter, just steps away from downtown Winnfield and the Winnfield Recreation Center. At the recreation center he developed a love for swimming, baseball, and community life. His passion for politics emerged early. At just 9 years old, Max made his way downtown to witness the funeral of Governor Earl K. Long at the First Baptist Church, an act that foreshadowed his lifelong fascination with Louisiana politics.
A graduate of Winnfield Senior High School, Max excelled in academics and extracurricular activities. He served as a leader in the student council, speech club, and band. Known for his charisma, he was elected Senior Class Favorite alongside Becky Shelton, the woman who would later become his wife.
After high school, Max pursued history and political science at Northwestern State University, earning his degree in 1979 while working as a swimming instructor, sheriff’s department employee, and active civic leader. Inspired by his grandfather’s political legacy, Max entered public service, and in 1982, at just 29 years old, he was elected mayor of Winnfield, becoming the youngest mayor in Louisiana at the time.
Max’s tenure as mayor reflected his vision for preserving Winnfield’s rich political history while fostering progress for future generations. He played a pivotal role in creating the Louisiana Political Hall of Fame and establishing the Louisiana Political Museum in the historic L&A Railroad depot. Max always sought to celebrate Winnfield’s unique place in Louisiana’s political landscape.
He also spearheaded initiatives like the Huey P. Long Centennial Celebration, which gained national recognition, and he actively and successfully promoted Winnfield as a film location securing the filming of the movie “Blaze” in Winnfield. His leadership extended beyond Winnfield as president of the Louisiana Municipal Association, during which he oversaw the construction of its Baton Rouge headquarters.
In 1983, Max married his high school friend Becky Shelton, and together they raised two daughters, Katie and Caroline. A devoted father and “girl dad,” Max balanced running his local business “O’Kelley’s” and his many civic duties with school activities, birthday parties, and church. His warmth, kindness, and genuine interest in others made him a beloved figure in his community.
Although Max’s life was tragically cut short in 1994, his legacy lives on through the family he cherished and the countless contributions he made to Winnfield. Max Kelley was more than a leader. He was a man of vision, compassion, and an enduring dedication to his community, a true son of Winn Parish.
