James Harris Kelley

Born on August 20, 1944, at the U.S. Naval Hospital in Corpus Christi, Texas, James was the beloved son of the late Helen Sahadi (Kelley, later Holloway) of Gregory/Portland, Texas, and the late James Harris Kelley of Goshen, Alabama. Of Lebanese, Irish, and German heritage, Jim carried the strength and traditions of his family roots throughout his life. His father passed away before James was born, and his maternal grandfather, Joseph Sahadi, lovingly stepped into the role of a father figure, shaping his character alongside his grandmother, Rachide Sahadi. On his father's side, he was the grandson of James Zachary Kelley and Nona Estelle Kelley (Rogers).

Jim proudly served his country as a Sergeant in the United States Air Force from 1966 to 1969, during the Vietnam War. He completed his tour of service while stationed in Thailand, supporting operations in Vietnam. After his service, he pursued higher education and earned an Associate's Degree from Del Mar College in Corpus Christi, Texas.

In 1982, Jim founded K-W Construction, Inc. in San Marcos, Texas, which he owned and operated until his retirement in 2016. Over the course of more than three decades, his company left an indelible mark on communities across Texas and beyond. His notable projects included work on the Pentagon following the September 11th attacks, the Texas Cyclone roller coaster at Astroworld, facilities at the Naval Air Stations in Corpus Christi and Kingsville, numerous buildings at Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State University), several U.S. Post Offices, and projects for Whole Foods Market in Austin and San Antonio.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Jim was a man of many passions. He loved golfing, working in his yard, gardening, and exercising in the pool. Known for his outgoing personality, he treated everyone he met like family. He had a deep love for animals-though he playfully referred to the "damn squirrels" in his garden as his nemesis-and he was always ready to engage in conversation, offering respect, warmth, and kindness to all. These traits defined his relationships and were also the foundation of his success in business.

Jim is survived by his devoted wife of 55 years, Jane Wesley Kelley (Welborn); his children, James Harris Kelley, III (and his partner, Bradley Mach), Joseph Haynes Kelley, and Jennifer Dawn Bieniek (and her husband, Matthew Aaron Bieniek); and his cherished grandchildren, Seraphina Bieniek, Abhitha Bieniek, and Elieza Bieniek. He is also survived by his sisters, Dorothy Coleman, Christine Merrell, and Rosemary Holloway as well as numerous, nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Helen Sahadi and James Harris Kelley; his maternal grandparents, Joseph Sahadi and Rachide Sahadi; and his paternal grandparents, James Zachary Kelley and Nona Estelle Kelley (Rogers).

A memorial service will be held on Monday, September 29,2025, at 10:30 A.M. at Sunset Memorial Park & Funeral Home, 1701 Austin Highway, San Antonio, Texas 78218. Following the service, interment with military funeral honors will take place at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Road, San Antonio, Texas 78209.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, a cause dear to Jim's heart.