He was known as “Jim Kelly” to all. Jim was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Leo and Irene (Buckley) Kelly. He had four wonderful siblings including Richard, Sally, Terry and Marijane who remained friends and held sibling reunions in their later years. Jim adored his grandmother Viola Dunlap who championed him during a challenging portion of his life. He married his first and only dance partner, Cathy on August 18, 1956 in Milwaukee. Two years later, their son Kevin was born and their daughter Leslie followed 6 years later.
The family lived in Brookfield, Wisconsin making hundreds of life-long friends while participating in scouting, church-sponsored activities, and dinner groups. Jim started in advertising but had several career changes over the years cashing-in on his attention to detail and ability to draw and letter. Jim spent his free time studying investments and planning for retirement.
After the children had grown, Jim and Cathy moved to the Kirkland/Redmond, Washington area where he has resided for over 30 years. Jim’s focus on serving others led to his nickname “The Birthday Card Guy” and several decades of service at the Seattle Washington Temple. His hobbies included solving crossword puzzles in pen, playing chess, and playing the violin. He enjoyed spending quiet time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Jim broke out of his shell later in life while cultivating deep friendships, starting new adventures, and addressing mental health issues. He led several projects to improve his community and bring people together for a good cause.
Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Catherine Ann (Bauer) Kelly and his great-granddaughter Georgia Kelly. He was survived by his son Kevin (Inge) Kelly and daughter Leslie (Darryl) Edmunds, grandchildren and great-grandchildren including Michael (Jenny) Kelly and Elea, Beckham, and London; Sean (Katie) Kelly and Amelie and Addison; Steven (Mackenzie) Kelly and Aidan, Presley and Maverick; Ian (Stephanie) Kelly and Lilly and Rosalie; Jeremy Kelly; and Erynn Edmunds.
A memorial service will be held in Jim’s honor at 1:00pm on June 24, 2024 at the Sammamish Valley Stake Center building of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 10115 172nd Ave NE in Redmond, Washington near Redmond High School.
The memorial service will be broadcast over Zoom for friends and family across the globe at https://bit.ly/Jim_Kelly (Please copy the address and paste it into your browser if you wish to participate.)
