James M. "Jim" Kelly

7/8/1942 - 7/12/2025

New London - James "Jim" M. Kelly, 83, of New London, passed away peacefully on the afternoon of Saturday, July 12, 2025, following a progressive battle against heart disease and kidney failure. Jim was surrounded by the compassionate and dedicated medical staff at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital during his departure, for whom the Kelly family holds deep gratitude.

Born July 8, 1942, in Hartford, Jim was one of five children and the second-born son to Robert and Georgiana Kelly of Wethersfield. He is predeceased by his parents; as well as his brothers, Joel and Greg Kelly; and a sister, Mary (Kelly) Finley. He leaves behind a sister, Sheila (Kelly) Dean; his wife, Eileen (Foye) Kelly; his son, Connor Kelly; and his daughter, Jillian (Kelly) Berry; and son-in-law, Daniel Berry. Jim also leaves two brothers-in-law, George Finley and Robert Olsen Admiral Retired; a sister-in-law, Barbara Kelly; many life long friends; several beloved nieces and nephews whom he cared deeply for; and of course his beloved dog Molly, and grand-dogs, Mae-Mae, Hallie, and baby Oskar.

He attended Saint Augustine School in Hartford and graduated from Wethersfield High School. Summers were joyfully spent at the family cottage on White Sands Beach in Old Lyme, a place that remained dear to him throughout his life. Jim went on to earn his undergraduate degree in history from Saint Anselm College. He then earned his master's in teaching before serving in the U.S. Army National Guard.

Jim began a fulfilling 30-year career as a history, geography, economics, and writing teacher at John Winthrop Middle School and Valley Regional High School in Deep River. He was deeply committed to his students and colleagues and also served as a coach for multiple sports, including tennis, soccer, basketball and football. He later refereed basketball and soccer games, even once famously removing his own nephew, Mike Dean, from the field.

Jim had a lifelong love of golf. As a founding charter member of the Black Hall Golf Club in Old Lyme, he took great pride in his game, earning a handicap of three early in his golfing career coupled with three hole in one's! His weekends were often planned around time on the course, where he found both joy and camaraderie.

In the summer of 1988, Jim married the love of his life, Eileen, a New London native. They wed at the Coast Guard Academy Chapel and shared 37 wonderful years together, building a life full of love, laughter and unforgettable memories.

A devout member of the Thousand Club at St. Joseph Church in New London, Jim lived a life of service and generosity. He was a regular donor to his favorite charity, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Jim volunteered for The Special Olympics, the American Heart Association, and various Coast Guard Academy Alumni events. After retiring from teaching, he remained deeply engaged in his community through his work with Community Enterprises, Sea View - a group home supporting adults with developmental disabilities - and his service on the town's Planning and Zoning Committee.

Jim will be remembered for his wacky humor, infectious laugh, abundant tomato harvests, giant chocolate chip walnut cookies every Christmas, and above all, the joy and warmth he brought to those around him. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, curiosity, and dedication that will be dearly missed - especially by his loving wife and children.

Calling hours are from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, July 25, at the Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home, 12 Ocean Ave., New London. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 26, in St. Joseph Church with a reception to follow at the Lighthouse Inn. Condolences may be shared on Jim's memorial page at www.neilanfuneralhome.com.