James Harold Kelly

September 29, 1964 – February 11, 2026

James H. “Jim” Kelly, age 61, of Marana, Arizona, passed away on February 11, 2026, as the result of a hiking incident near his home.

Jim was born on September 29, 1964, in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of Harold Kelly and Mary Kay Burton (Spark). He graduated from Hempstead High School in Dubuque and continued his education at Kirkwood Community College, earning two associate degrees.

On May 27, 1989, Jim married Nancy Habel at Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Dubuque. Later that fall, they moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where they built their life together. This May would have marked their 37th wedding anniversary.

Jim had a deep love for cats and rescued many that found their way to the Kelly front porch over the years in Iowa. He had a big heart, felt things deeply, and valued the friendships and support he found at his gym and with his personal trainer in Cedar Rapids.

After retiring, Jim volunteered with several organizations, including Meals on Wheels in Cedar Rapids. He was also very involved in his son Spencer’s scouting journey, supporting him all the way to achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. Jim especially cherished the Boundary Waters adventures and camping trips they shared.

Jim and Nancy loved visiting Spencer in Seattle each year and enjoyed hiking together at Mount Rainier. Hiking was one of Jim’s passions and one of the reasons he and Nancy chose Marana, Arizona, as their new home in 2025.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Nancy; his son Spencer of Seattle, Washington (along with Spencer’s girlfriend Julia and her daughter Kennedy); his father Harold (Doris) Kelly; his mother Mary Kay Burton; and his mother-in-law Kay Habel.

He is also survived by his siblings: Tammy Link, Candie (Terry) Minnick, Robin (Todd) Mundt, Josh (Shannon) Kelly, and Danielle (Joe) Lawler; his in-laws Kevin (Ellen) Habel, Brian Habel, Mark (Denice) Habel, and Jonathan (Marta) Habel; as well as 18 nieces and nephews and many aunts and uncles.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents James and Bernice Spark and Bueford “Bud” and Katherine Kelly; step father Jim Burton & his father-in-law Ronald Habel, who both meant a great deal to Jim and with whom we believe he is reunited; and several aunts and uncles.

A private celebration of life will be held at a later date in Dubuque, Iowa.

The family extends a heartfelt thank you to everyone who made Jim feel special throughout his life. Though Jim was not always expressive with his emotions, he felt things deeply, and the kindness and friendship shown to him truly meant a great deal.

The family would also like to thank everyone who assisted in searching for Jim after he went missing from the hiking trail. Your time, care, and effort were deeply appreciated.