James Henry Kelly

James Henry Kelly

1/8/1937-8/20/2023

James Henry Kelly passed away at Toledo Hospital on Sunday August 20th surrounded by his loving family.  Jim was 86. 

Born to the late Karl H. and Mae Kelly, Jim grew up in Toledo, Ohio, the youngest of three siblings.  Jim attended St. Theresa’s grade school.  He was a proud graduate of Central Catholic High School, class of 1955.

Throughout his life, Jim was a talented athlete, playing basketball, hockey, and softball.  As an adult he enjoyed bowling and playing pool. Some of Jim’s favorite memories included golfing with his grandsons. 

Jim was a dapper dresser and was blessed with a beautiful head of hair.  People were often amazed by Jim’s attention to detail, his incredible memory, and his gift of gab.  Jim relished sharing stories and loved an audience.  

Jim married Beverly Joan Kelly in 1957 enjoying 64 years of marriage before Bev’s death in 2021.  Jim was a quick study, learning the skills necessary to build the home where he and Bev raised their children and keeping a fleet of used cars running when his kids were all teenagers. Jim learned woodworking skills and together with Bev created many treasured keepsakes. Jim and Bev were excellent cooks.  Their children and grandchildren have fond memories of Sunday suppers, holiday celebrations, and time spent swimming, playing games, and enjoying the company of relatives and friends.                                                                                                                                                                   

Jim was an active member of St. Anthony’s parish, Temperance, Michigan, starting the basketball program and coaching many of the boys who passed through the school's halls during the late ‘60s through the mid ‘70s. He was instrumental in spearheading efforts to build Kenna Hall. In recent years he enjoyed attending mass at St. Clement’s. 

Jim worked at Dana Corporation for over 30 years, later working at Adams Wholesalers and Mr. Lightbulb. 

Jim made countless friends over the years and rarely went anywhere without running into someone he knew, to the amazement and amusement of his kids.  His family is grateful for those many friends, both old and new who enriched his life.  We are also thankful for the residents of Westgate Residential who welcomed Jim into their community. 

In addition to his parents and his wife, Jim was preceded in death by his beloved siblings and their spouses, Karl and Mary Jane Kelly and Geraldine and Thomas Duhigg.                                       

Jim is survived by his children and their amazing spouses, Mike (Carol) Kelly, Kim (Jim) White, Tracey (Jeff) Joyce, Jeff (Sarah) Kelly, and Greg (Kelly) Kelly.  Also left to cherish his memory are Jim’s adored grandchildren Megan Kelly, Colleen Kelly, Conor Kelly, Kelly White, Dan (Alyssa) White, Joe (Maggie) White, Ryan (Tori) Joyce, Molly Joyce, Jamie Joyce, Erin Kelly, Brendan Kelly, Dylan Kelly, Chelsea Kelly (Simon Ashton), and Mitch (Amy) Kelly; and his precious great grand-children, Thatcher and Osias Kelly, and Maya White.                                                                 

Family meant everything to Jim and he cherished the in-laws, cousins, nieces, and nephews who also survive him.  Please know how much you all meant to him.                                                     

Family and friends may visit the Reeb Funeral Home 5712 N. Main St. Sylvania, Ohio on Friday August 25th from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Saturday August 26th at St. Clement Catholic Church. The family will receive visitors at 9:00 a.m. with services to begin at 10:00 a.m.  Interment will be at St. Anthony’s Cemetery, Temperance, Michigan.  In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Central Catholic High School, St. Clement Catholic Church or to a charity of the donor’s choice.       Live stream at youtubestclement-toledo                                                                                                                                                      

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