James "Jim" F. Kelly

James F. Kelly, age 79, of Wesley Woods at New Albany, died suddenly on December 19, 2023 of heart issues that worsened during treatment of Pancreatic Cancer. He grew up in the Cleveland area, was educated at Borromeo Seminary and John Carroll University, and worked as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) until a mid-career job change brought him to Columbus to work for Nationwide Insurance. In retirement, Jim earned his private pilot license, took four years of art classes at OSU, and made a part time job of trading stock options. He also volunteered his time to visit hospitalized heart patients, devoting so much time in 2019 that his efforts were recognized with OSU’s Ross Heart Hospital’s “Heart to Heart” award.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph F. and Margaret (Gardner) Kelly; and brother, Tom. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 34 years, Lynne; his sisters Barbara A. Kelly of Boston and Mary Kelly Robinson of Rockville, Maryland; niece Julia (Cameron) Stewart (and their son, Maxwell); and nephew Daniel.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Please continue to visit Jim’s page for service details as they become available.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Jim’s memory to Healing Hearts of Central Ohio, where Jim led the program to visit and encourage heart patients in the hospital, or to a charity of your choice.