James F. Kelley

Our beloved James “Jim” Frank Kelley passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, June 9, 2013.He was born on June 18, 1949 in Madison, TN to the late George T. and Winifred Kelley. He graduated from Madison Academy High School in 1968 and attended the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. He began his career in railroading when he worked for CSXT for 18 years as a signalman. In 1995 he moved to Jacksonville, FL from Cartersville, GA. Because of his love for the railroad, he began his own successful railroad signal business here in Jacksonville in 1997, Interrail Engineering, Interrail Signal and Interrail Power, Inc. Jim was lovingly known by his family, close friends and employees as “Boss”. It was the nickname he chose for his grandchildren to call him. He dearly loved his family, friends and employees and was a kind and generous man and mentor. Boss loved flying and got his pilot’s license when he was 16.One of the biggest highlights of his life was the purchase of the Beech Baron in 2011 belonging to the Astronaut John Glenn. He referred to the plane as Friendship 7. He had an interest and love for flight and space travel. Boss also loved fishing, boating, travel, hunting, gardening, and making tomato juice.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 36 years and business partner, Chryol Kelley; 3 daughters, Jamie Kelley, Jessica (Steven) Anderson, Jennifer (Jeff) Becker; and son, Jacob (Dana) Kelley all of Jacksonville; brother, Gerald (Mary) Kelley of Big Stone Gap, VA, and was preceded in death by his brother, Larry (Sue) Kelley of Hendersonville, TN. He is also survived by his 7 beautiful grandchildren; niece, Leta Hals; nephew, Adam Kelley and his ever faithful dog, Ruby.

A Celebration of Jim’s Life will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, June 14 in Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin.

Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society or Vitas Hospice.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin, 11801 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32223. www.hgmandarin.com 904-288-0025.