James F. Kelly Jr.,ED.D.

James F. Kelly Jr., Captain, U.S. Navy (Ret.), 94, devoted husband, loving father, and faithful friend, passed away peacefully at home on August 18, 2025. He is survived by his wife of 70 years Charlane A. Kelly and his three devoted children, his son Terrence Kelly (Lori), and daughters Robina Siers (Steve), Carisa Saavedra (Norm) and his grandchildren, Nicholas Kelly, Kyle Kelly, and Taylor Saavedra.

Born in 1930 and raised in New Haven Connecticut, he joined the U.S. Army Reserve to assist with college and to earn his teaching credential. He briefly taught at a public school in Connecticut where he applied for the Navy’s Officer Candidate School in Newport Rhode Island. That decision marked the beginning of a lifetime of service, adventure, achievement. While in New Haven, Jim met his future wife, Charlane A. Hughes, on a blind date at a summer stock performance. They were married in less than a year and remained devoted to one another throughout their lives.

Jim proudly served a 31-year career in the U.S. Navy during which he commanded three San Diego based ships: USS Parsons, USS Fox, and USS Dixie. He also commanded the Navy Personnel Research and Development Center. His distinguished service earned him numerous honors, including two Legion of Merit awards and a Bronze Star, awarded for his leadership on the gunline while commanding the USS Parsons during the Vietnam War. During his Navy career, Jim furthered his education, earning a degree in Management from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey and completing the Program for Management Development at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Business Administration. Jim was honored by the City of Coronado in November 2021 with a banner in the Avenue of Heros program.

After retiring from the Navy in 1983, Jim began a second career in banking, serving for eleven years as Senior Vice President and Director of Human Resources at Great American Bank. This time, he earned a Doctorate in Education from the University of San Diego, where he also shared his expertise by teaching MBA Students in the Graduate School of Business.

Jim’s civic involvement included serving as President of the San Diego Lions Club and the Navy League Council, Forman of the San Diego County Grand Jury, and President of the Boys and Girls Foundation of San Diego. Jim was a devoted member of Sacred Heart Parish in Coronado, where he shared his love of music by singing in the choir for many years.

For fifteen years, Jim worked as a master mariner instructor at the NSST simulator facility at Naval Base San Diego, teaching ship handling, seamanship, and navigation.

Undoubtedly, one of Jim’s most enduring legacies was his passion for writing. For over two decades, his weekly columns were a staple in the Coronado Eagle & Journal. He was also published in the Naval Institute Proceedings earning him the Institute’s Author of the Year Award for his essay: “Women in Warships; A Right to Serve”. In all, he has written over 2,000 articles, essays, and commentaries for publications such as the SD Tribune, LA Times, New York Times, Navy Times, Naval Proceedings, and California Republic. A selection of his opinion pieces can be found at jfkellyjr.wordpress.com

Jim will be remembered for his sharp intellect, warmth, and deep devotion to his family and friends. He was a source of strength and inspiration to his family, and a role model to his children. They admired his gift for building lasting friendships and his steadfast dedication to making a meaningful impact through his political insight and service to both his country and community. He treasured the life and home he and his wife, Charlane, made together in Coronado surrounded by family and their many friends.

A service will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church at 12:00pm, on September 3rd at 655 C Avenue, Coronado, CA. 92118.

Following the service, funeral services will be held at Miramar National Cemetery at 5795 Nobel Drive, San Diego, CA 92122