Jimmy Kelley

“Jimmy”, as he was affectionately known by those around him, was born on January 3, 1957, in Houston, Texas. Jimmy was the successful owner of Kelley’s Country Cookin’ located in Alvin, Texas.

Jimmy married Anna Marie Rodaway Kelley on February 14th, 1988 and the two were each other’s lifelong partners until her passing from cancer in 2011. Per Jimmy, he never endeavored to marry again as he had “already met the love of [his] life.” Together, they were blessed with two wonderful children, J.W. Kelley III and Joanna Kelley Richardson.

After graduating from Milby High School, Jimmy had huge shoes to fill by following in the footsteps of his father, James Kelley, Sr., founder of Kelley’s Country Cookin’ and legendary Houston policeman, who also served as Jimmy’s hero. After trading in his shrimp boots and realtor’s license for a serving tray, Jimmy became a staple at his Alvin location, where he was always seen greeting his lifetime customers and working alongside his employees. He considered his loyal employees to be family and believed that whatever you imparted to others would come back ten-fold: that was seen in the generosity to both his employees, friends and family. Jimmy was a successful restauranteur, but his greatest achievement was getting to spend time with his grandchildren, whether that be boat rides in Galveston Bay or treating them at his restaurant’s “Alvin Room.” Jimmy left an indelible impression on those around him – teaching friends and family alike about generosity, hard work and how to successfully sneak away from a family function early.

Jimmy is survived by his children, J.W. Kelley III and wife Holley, Joanna Richardson and husband Christopher, grandchildren Kieghly Kelley, Kinley Kelley, James Kelley IV, Connor Richardson and Charlotte Richardson, mother Betty Mae Kelley and siblings Terri Foley and husband Bruce, Donny Kelley and wife Loretta, Ronny Kelley and wife Kim and Robby Kelley and wife Gayla.

Jimmy is preceded in joining the Lord by his wife Anna and his father James Kelley, Sr.

Visitation will be held from 5-7 P.M. on November 4, 2024 at Forest Park East Funeral Home in Webster, Texas. A private family service is to be held at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Kidz Harbor at 638 Harbor Rd. Liverpool, Tx 77577 (https://kidzharbor.org/). Jimmy was extremely proud to sponsor holiday dinners for the children of Kidz Harbor.