James Walter Kelly

KELLY, James W., age 81 of Beavercreek, passed away on Tuesday, November 22, 2011. He is preceded in death by his first wife, Margaret A. Kelly; parents, James L. and Eleanor M. Kelly; son, James L. Kelly; sisters, Betty Loveland and Rae Grabeldinger; brothers, Bobby Kelly and Dick Kelly. He is survived by his loving wife, Eileen Kelly; daughters, Deborah Snyder, Rebecca DiSalvo, Anne (Barry Crane) Kelly; step-sons, Todd Clingman and Tim Clingman; grandchildren Kelli and Eric Snyder, Greg, Joe and Lauren DiSalvo and Jessica Sargent; step-grandchildren, Bethany, Mike and Austin Clingman; step-great-grandchild, Evan Hoctel; sister, Sherri (Jack) Nester; brothers, Ronnie (Maxine) Kelly and Chuck (Joanna) Kelly and numerous other relatives and friends. Mr. Kelly was a Navy veteran. He began his career with the United States Air Force at Griffiss AFB in upstate New York and transferred to Wright Patterson AFB in the early 1960’s when Griffiss AFB was closed. Jim rose through the ranks to become a senior civilian manager for Depot Maintenance in the Air Force Logistics Command. He was very instrumental in creating the Depot Maintenance Industrial Fund which is still in use today. Jim was also honored as An Outstanding International Logistician by the U.S. delegation to NATO for his efforts in establishing a USAF repair facility at RAF Kemble in the U.K. Jim retired from the Air Force in 1986. After retirement, he joined the firm of Aerospace Business Development Associates. Several years later Jim created the firm of J. Kelly and Associates. As President of J. Kelly and Associates, he was successful in assisting numerous other companies achieve success in earning contracts with the Air Force. Jim was also a founding member of the Electronic Engineering and Manufacturers Group (EEMG) and was recently promoted to Emeritus status on Group’s Executive Council. He was a member of the Eagles Lodge #321. A prayer service will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, November 28, 2011 at the TOBIAS FUNERAL HOME – BEAVERCREEK CHAPEL, 3970 Dayton-Xenia Rd. at Grange Hall Rd. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:00 a.m. at St. Luke Catholic Church 1440 N. Fairfield Rd. with Fr. Terry Schneider celebrant. The family will receive relatives and friends from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 27, 2011 at the funeral home. In lieu of contributions a donation may be made to a charity of your choice. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.tobiasfuneralhome.com.