Obituary of James Thomas Kelly

Master Chief Petty Officer James “Jim”Thomas Kelly, USN, Retired entered eternal life on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, in Pensacola, Florida at the age of 73 after a battle with Parkinson’s Disease due to Agent Orange exposure while serving his country in Vietnam.

Jim was born in Saint Louis, Missouri on December 27, 1950, to the late Thomas and Theresa Kelly. After graduating from Rosary High School in St. Louis, Jim was drafted into the military in 1971. He led a strong career in the U.S. Navy serving in many capacities including Collateral Duty Career Information Coordinator, Master Navy Diver, and Chief of the Boat. Jim proudly served his country alongside his brothers and sisters aboard the USS Coral Sea, USS Will Rogers, USS John Marshall, USS Minneapolis/St. Paul, and the USS Phoenix. 

From May 1983 until May 1986 Jim was tasked to encourage the next generation of Sailors to join the Navy in Memphis, Tennessee as a Recruiter before returning back to sea duty until March 1990, when he received orders to the Enlisted Placement Management Center (EPMAC) in New Orleans, where he retired on May 31, 1993.

Jim’s tenacity and strong leadership skills earned him the rank of Master Chief Petty Officer in 1988, along with the following honors: the Navy Unit Commendation, RVN Meritorious Unit Citation, RVN Gallantry Cross with Palm, RVN Campaign Medal, RVN Service Medal, two Sea Service Deployment Ribbons, five Good Conduct Medals, Arctic Service Ribbon, Navy Expeditionary Medal, three  Battle Efficiency “E” Ribbons, two Meritorious Unit Commendation Medals, the Navy Achievement Medal, two National Defense Service Medals, and the Navy Commendation Medal. 

Jim may have retired from a successful military career in 1993 but was not yet finished serving his country. For the next 17 years he could be found instructing an ROTC program or teaching middle school science until retiring from his teaching career in 2010. Jim’s love for children could not keep him retired. He decided to drive a school bus for school systems in Pennsylvania, Texas, and Missouri until officially hanging up his hat in 2022.

Jim was not only known for his pride in his military service and his country. His ability to capture an audience with his stories and laugh was unmatched. No one ever left his presence a stranger or not learning more about what an amazing and varied career he led. Jim made friends wherever he went and never had a bad word to say about anyone. 

Jim leaves to cherish his memory his daughter Lisa McQuire and her husband Kevin; his son David Kelly and his wife Michelle; grandchildren: Jessica, David, Madison, Ethan, and Finn; sister: Kay Harrelson and her husband Pete; nieces: Meghan and Shannon, as well as many extended family and friends. 

On Tuesday, August 6, 2024, visitation will begin at 8:45 AM followed by a Catholic mass at 9:30 AM at St. Anne Bellview, 5200 Saufley Field Road, Pensacola, Florida 32526. A committal service will take place at Barrancas National Cemetery at 11:00 AM. Please join the family at 12:00 PM to celebrate Jim’s life at St. Anne Bellview Family Life Center following the internment.