James Davidson Kelly

James Davidson Kelly Feb. 23, 1915 - July 25, 2010 Resident of Walnut Creek Jim Kelly passed away peacefully in his sleep in the early morning hours surrounded by the love of his devoted family. Jim had lived with Parkinson's disease for the past 15 of his 95 years. Jim was born in Newark, NJ after his parents had emigrated from Scotland. Jim graduated from the Newark College of Engineering in 1940 with a B.S. degree in Civil Engineering. During his years of service in the US Navy, Jim worked as a tactical radar officer aboard the U.S.S. Arkansas. Jim worked for the CA Division of Lands as a Survey Party Chief and Field Engineer. While working in the Los Angeles area he met Grace Hoover, and they were married on Dec. 26, 1948 in Redlands, CA. Jim worked as an assistant engineer on the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge during 1954-55. Jim and Grace settled down in Pleasant Hill, and later moved to Walnut Creek where the family still resides today. Jim worked for Contra Costa County as a civil engineer in the Public Works Department from 1955-1978. He loved music and enjoyed singing with the Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church choir, the Singing Messengers and the "Tremble Cleft" group, associated with the American Parkinson's Disease Association. Jim leaves behind his devoted wife of 61 years; children Christine Blanchfield (Greg), Sharon Kelly, Brian Kelly (Pam), Patricia Hafen (Loren), Susan Stewart (Tim) and John Kelly; grandchildren Kate and Rebecca Kelly, Lindsay and Connor Hafen, Emily and Sam Stewart; his surviving brother George Kelly and his wife Mary Ella; brother-in-law Bill Hoover; sister-in-law Eleanor Kelly; nieces and nephews Bill and George "Dodd" Kelly, Rob and Doug Kelly, Alyson and Doug Hoover. A Memorial Service will be held at the family's residence in Walnut Creek on Saturday, July 31, 2010 at 2:00pm. For details, call (925) 934-8842. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Parkinson's Disease Association.