John "Jack" F. Kelly

John Francis “Jack” Kelly, Ph.D., of Williamston, Michigan, Michigan State University Professor Emeritus, Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother, Uncle, Teacher and Friend, died on May 23, 2016 at age 84 and a half years of age in his beloved garden, a spring breeze on his face and surrounded by his family. He was a man of faith and peace. To know Jack was to know a great and gentle man.

Jack was born and raised in Chicago, Il on 11/28/1931. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture from Michigan State College in 1953. After serving as Second Lieutenant in the United States Army, he received his Master’s degree in Horticulture from Michigan State University in 1956 followed by a Ph.D. from The University of Wisconsin in 1959. Dr. Kelly also worked at Southern Illinois University, Campbell Soup Company and University of Florida. He retired from MSU in 1999 after a distinguished career as Professor and Chairman of the Department of Horticulture at Michigan State University. Jack conducted projects in Peru, Guatemala, El Salvador and Hungary and influenced students and colleagues in all corners of the world.

Jack took great pride in his professional career as an educator, a researcher, and a leader but his greatest pride was in his family. All of his nine children have at least one degree from Michigan State University. In his immediate family, 27 degrees have been conferred by his alma mater, MSU, with 3 more pending. Jack relished time spent with family, cherishing even routine weekend BBQs. Accompanied by, Janet, they enjoyed national parks, camping, traveling, fishing, gardening, Spartan sports, photography, and any other activity through which he could surround himself with his children and grandchildren.

He is survived by his bride of 57 years Janet, his sister Rosemary, his 9 children Marcia Scott (Taylor), Andrea Kelly, Shaun Kelly, Claudia Beyea (Wayne), Daniel Kelly (Jodi), Timothy Kelly (Brenda), Michael Kelly (Colleen), Kurt Kelly (Beckie), Kristina Palmer (John), his 26 grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Gifts in memory of Jack Kelly can be sent to Sacred Heart School, 1739 Ferry Avenue, Camden, NJ 08104.