James F. Kelly

James Francis Kelly, age 84, passed away peacefully with his family at his side on Aug. 4.

Mr. Kelly was born in Niagara Falls, N.Y., to Abigail Keneally and James F. Kelly Sr. In his early years, Mr. Kelly was skilled at horseback riding and worked at a stable in Canada teaching children.

He graduated from St. Bonaventure University in 1962 and began graduate study at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. In 1966, he entered Officer Training School at Fort Knox in Kentucky and then served as assistant to the general at the Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield base in Savannah, Ga. Returning to Knoxville, he worked in the Office of Publications Service at the University of Tennessee and later became director of that office for 30 years.

Mr. Kelly enjoyed snow skiing and travel, especially to Ireland, the birthplace of his parents. His devotion to his family was remarkable. He attended all of his son’s soccer games. The family spent many happy winters skiing in New England and western resorts, and summers at Loon Lake in New York.

Mr. Kelly is survived by his loving wife, Terry, and his cherished son, Michael (Jaan Anne and grandchildren Piper and Wilkes). He was a lifelong Catholic and attended seminary before entering college. He was a member of St. John XXIII University Parish on the University of Tennessee campus.

A funeral Mass for Mr. Kelly was held at St. John XXIII on Aug. 30, followed by a private family inurnment at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus columbarium and a wake at the home of Michael Kelly.

Donations in Mr. Kelly’s memory may be made to the Ladies of Charity in Knoxville, the University of Tennessee library system, or to a charity of your choice.

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