James William Kelly

Gaa’bii’yaa’zhid goon – Bizhiw dotem

September 1, 1935 – January 31, 2025

With heavy hearts, we announce the sudden passing of our beloved father, brother, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather. His spirit journey began on the evening of January 31st at Wiigwas Elder Senior Care where he was surrounded by his children, family, and friends.

Our dad, Jim, was a vibrant man whose heart overflowed with stories. He filled our home with laughter and warmth, often sharing memories from his youth that brought us closer together. His passion for playing the fiddle and guitar, that had us dancing and singing to his songs he played, these are some of the fond memories we shared as a family. Coming from a gifted family that embraced musical instruments as source of joy. Dad was well known for his jam sessions with neighbours and friends. The feeling of togetherness with laughter, songs and story would radiate through him and from him for many decades.

Dad was a man of many talents, providing strength and guidance to his children. He was a skilled hockey player, a hunter, a trapper, a fishing guide, violinist and even a golden glove boxing champion, honored with induction into the Boxing Hall of Fame. But above all, he was our father, who showed his love not in words, but in actions. His love was reflected in how he cared for us, the lessons he imprinted, and his constant encouragement to be our best. We always felt cherished and valued in his presence, his love.

Even though we didn't have a lot when we were kids, Dad always made sure we had everything we really needed. He showed us that love isn't about material things; it's all about making us feel special. Because he believed family was everything.

Dad's laughter was contagious, and it was impossible not to laugh with him. His by sense of humor, his stories, and his impressive skills at the pool table brightened every room he entered. He often pretended to be bad at pool, only to surprise everyone by winning every game. When he did, he'd grin and say, “E’jeh.”

He was a humble and traditional man, and led by example. He made a point to visit and check on others, ensuring everyone was okay. Though he didn’t always say it, his actions spoke volumes, showing how much he truly cared.

If he could leave us with one final message, it would be: “Thank you for the love, the memories, and for being a part of my life. Stay strong, be kind to each other, and always cherish and love your family.”

Rest easy, Dad. We will forever carry your laughter, your lessons, and your love with us.

Jim is survived by his children: Donna Cool (Joe), Grace Redsky (de: Cecil), Jimmy Cameron, Dorothy Cameron, Sheila Copenace (Howard), Linda Cameron (Harvey), Ernie Cameron (Kelly), Sherry Cameron (Leslie Sr), Geraldine Cameron, Anna Cameron, Cathy Cameron (Garnet).

Grandchildren: Shawn (Maggie), Trish (Dave), Mike (Zoey), and Kimberly (Elvie); Herman, Galen, Amos, Crystal (Garry), Mike (Michelle), Neil, and Starla (Travis); Macy, and Marty; Wabanoonkwe (Tre), Miigwaans (Albert), Jaret (Elanie), and Micheal; Bonnie (Rene), Bruce, Barry (Una), Cody, and Troy; Reno (Shalon), Nigel (Brenda), Samantha, Rachel (Maurice), Crystal (Harvey), and Sunny (Jhanick); Clayton, and Stacy (Bradley); Roxanne (Mark), Belinda (James), Jason, Travis, Arianne, and Hayden; Terry (Melissa), Roxanne (Don), and Leslie (Danielle); Joel, Jirah (children), and Ellom; Cheyenne (Marlon), Ronan, Cynthia, Jonathan N., Shania, Ellora, Warren, Laura, Billy, Shane, Neil, Adam, Eric, Joey, Caitlin, and Jonathan M.

Great grandchildren: Sheldon, Katie, Gunner; Dallas and Mya; Kael, Elijah and Isaac; Dakota, Trent, Kiersten (Keenan), Brianna (Josh), Emery, Tierney, and Abbii; Kinew, Aiyana, Aiden, Kolton, Kaiysen, Kyrie, and Heaven-Leigh; Tanner, Samantha, Sierra, Ashton, and Ethan; Cecil; Amos Jr., Bryce, Theron, Sierra and Brayden; Nodin, and Memphis; Constance, and Marco; Niiganzhadaa, Jayden, and Janessa; Jalaynee, and Sable; Klye, Jackson, and Jacob; James, Jesse, and Jordan; D’Alngelo, Reese, Animik, and Belle; Kaitlyn, Kacie, Naya, Nimkii, and Nahanii; Tyrese, Quilyn, Lakiesha, Niibin, and Miigwan; Austin (Victoria), and Keenan; Phoneix, Carson (Sam), Lidya, and Manderee; Sigwan, Esme, Kyle, Silas and Alec; Mikaylin, Treyton, Ayiana, Destin, and Lyric; Ethan, Greyson, Peter Jr., and Lynx; Serena; Giselle, Emerson, Sabastian, and Sawyer; Cherish, Riyan, Maka, Zookie, Zaagaate, Keewayten, and Niigaun; Maya and Lacy; Kaidence, Aaliyah (Noah), Andrew, Kreed, Cedar, Sage, Alizaye, Quincen, Azayla, Kylan, Rayn and Dyami.

Great-great grandchildren: Thea-Mae; Malakai, Saraya, and Adaleigh; Kali (Omry); Brantley; Brooks.  Nieces & Nephews Jessie, Iris, Rose, Doris, Paula, Florence, Paul, Sarah, Tony, Fred, Eva, Maryanne, Johnny, John Paul, Carl Sr, Ida, Albert, Roberta, Dora, Donna, Steven, Jimmy, Yvonne and Billy McDonald.

Our dad had very close cousins who he considered siblings. They shared a close bond and grew many fond memories together. The Kelly boys shared a very strong family connection where 1st cousins felt a lot more like siblings; Jim, Joe, Dave and Richard Kelly.

Jim was predeceased by the mother is his children and best friend Mary Cameron (Wesely); His children, Billy Cameron, Roger Cameron; His Grandchildren; Sherly Redsky-DeBlois, Cody Shebagegit, Baby Cameron, Baby Boy Cameron, Raymond Wesely, Larry Cameron, Tyler Strong-Cameron, Odemin Henry-Scott, Eric Cameron, Naabenoonkwe Cameron, Lilly Cameron, and Kyle Smith; His parents Eva Keesick and Joe Kelly; His Grandparents; Chrisopher (Chass) Kelly, Maryann O’Cheek; His siblings; George Sr. Kelly, Roy Kelly, John Kelly (Wham), Alex Kelly, Joe Kelly, Charlie Kelly, Dennis Kelly, Pat Kelly, Albert Kelly, Maggie Kelly, Lucy Kelly, Annie (Kelly) Cameron, Ida (Kelly) Jameison, Mike Kelly, and Maryann Kelly; His cousin; Robert Kelly, Catherine Kelly and Albert Lands. His niece Sharon McDonald.

‘till we meet again’.

Pallbearers will be: Reno, Nigel, Terry, Leslie Jr, Marty, Bruce, Barry, Micheal, Jaret, Ronan, Bradley, and Ryan.  Honorable Pallbearers: Clayton, Joel, Ellom, Macy, Cody, Jason, Hayden, Troy, Shawn, Mike, Neil.

The traditional wake for James Kelly will begin on February 5, 2025, at 12 PM at the Minis Hall at Super 8. The Spiritual Journey Ceremony will officiated by Gilbert Smith and will take place on February 6, 2026, at 10 AM, followed by the burial at Lake of the Woods Cemetery. A traditional feast will be held after the burial at the Minis Hall at Super 8.

The family would like to say a special thank you to Dr. Sawatzky, Chisandre Augustin, Chan Preet, Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Centre, and Wiigwas Senior Care Home and Staff for their support and services.