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Lieutenant James Peter "J.P." Kelly

James Kelly Obituary

KELLY Lieutenant James Peter "J.P." Kelly, 54 died peacefully at his home on May 3, 2003, surrounded by his family and fellow officers. He was born February 27, 1949 in New York City and moved to the Jacksonville area in 1968. Lt. Kelly served in the U.S. Navy and was a Vietnam veteran. He was a 23-year veteran of the Neptune Beach Police Department. Family members include his wife, Roberta Lynn " Bert" Kelly; son, Staff Sgt. Peter Christopher (Alisha) Kelly of Ft. Campbell, KY; daughters, Karry (Bill) Horn of Jacksonville Beach and Mia Burkhard of Neptune Beach; brother, Kenny (Katie) Kelly of Medford, N.J.; sister, Susan (Don) Branscome of Brentwood, TN; 6 grandchildren, Payton, Sarah, Kolby, Liam, Nolan and Andrew and several nieces and nephews. The visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., (today) Monday, May 5th in the Quinn-Shalz Chapel. Funeral services with Full Police Honors provided by the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office Honor Guard and members of the Neptune Beach Police Department will be conducted at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 6th in the Beaches Chapel Church, 610 Florida Blvd., Neptune Beach, FL with his brother-in-law, Pastor Larry Laughter, officiating. A reception will be held at the church following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Community Hospice of Northeast Florida or to the American Cancer Society. Services under the direction and care of 3rd St. at Ponte Vedra Blvd., 249- 1100, www.quinn-shalz.com Please sign the Guestbook at Jacksonville.com

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Published by Florida Times-Union from May 4 to May 6, 2003.

Memories and Condolences
for James Kelly

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Sara & Louis Martinez

May 12, 2003

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Kelly family. He always had such an easy smile for everyone around him.

JOE BRUCE

May 8, 2003

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Kelly family. We are all lucky to have known LT Kelly.

Andy Thornton

May 6, 2003

I was very lucky and proud to know and learn from Lt. Kelly. I worked for the NBPD for six years and have alot of fond memories working there. Lt. Kelly or L.T. as I called him was a great man, he let you know when you did well and he for sure let you know when you did not so well. But he was always fair and a great teacher. I owe alot to him. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. God bless to all of the family. I have and will continue to pray for you. God Speed L.T. We'll "36" with you later in heaven. Andy #1322

Hollie Tyner

May 6, 2003

Peter, Karry and family,

Growing up around your dad was truly a great time in my life. He was a great man and always kept everyone on the straight and narrow. He will be missed very much. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Jennifer Militello

May 6, 2003

This is a very difficult time for anyone who knew Kelly. What an honorable man. He was a terrific husband, great father, the best grandfather, and a caring friend (just ask anyone who knew him). He touched so many lives and didn't realize what an influence he had on each and everyone of us. He will be missed dearly. May the memories and God comfort our loss of this wonderful man.

Claire Holtsinger

May 6, 2003

To: Bert and Family,





I wanted to let you know that my thought's and prayers are with you. But I know how you feel because I lost my Mom in September and miss her so much. What gets me thru Bert, is God's grace. I am here for you anytime of the day dear girl. Love to you and your family...

Scott & Michelle Bennett

May 6, 2003

Your great smile will always be remembered. What a wonderful person that so many were blessed to know.

Bill and Beverly Horne

May 5, 2003

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family over this great loss.

Dan DeCoursey

May 5, 2003

Our thoughts and prayers are with Jim and his family. He was a true gentleman and will be missed by his law enforcement friends in the south Florida.

Gob Bless



Dan DeCoursey, Investigator

Broward County School Police

GARY SNYDER & FAMILY

May 5, 2003

I met J.P. in the mid-1970's,as a teen. I had a paper route which included the Atlantic Beach Police Station. To say the least I stopped by the police station daily while on my route..I was always taken in as part of the crew, no matter what my age...I was known as "Jelly Bean" or just "Bean" to J.P... Jimmy always took the time to talk and laugh with me...that relationship continued to my adult years, and when I became a police officer, I was fortunately able to work for Jimmy. As a mentor, a supervisor and a great friend...my heart aches at the loss of J.P...but I will remember him forever and always practice the ethics and leadership he has taught me. My loss is Heaven's Gain....



Gary

Chuck Matthews

May 5, 2003

My thoughts and prayers will be for Jim and the family. There are many who are here for you to offer comfort and friendship.



God's care;

Chuck Matthews

Deputy Chief

BNSF Rwy Police

Wayne Chattaway

May 5, 2003

How do I begin to say goodbye to my favorite Police Academy classmate? Even though that was long ago I feel I have been Blessed knowing Jim all these years. I have wonderful memories working with Jim while he was in Atlantic Beach and I rode 424 (Mayport). A "35" that you could count on 100%. I am really saddened and at a loss for words today so I will just say "God's Speed" Jim and I truly believe we will meet again in the Lords Stationhouse. My sincere condolences to: Bert, Bonnie, Peter, Mia, and all Jim's immediate and extended family. A special prayer also to his fellow officers that he cared so much for.

Adam Militello

May 5, 2003

It is with great sadness that I post this message. I have lost a true friend and mentor, one who held my hand and patted my back when I was in need, one who I could count on at a moments notice. As I sit here literally crying on my keyboard I can only think of two thoughts; that “LT” will be watching over all of us as always, and that the only way I can repay him for all he did for me is to attempt to echo his life through my own... I have big shoes to fill. Goodbye my friend, you are missed immeasurably.

Rick Wood

May 4, 2003

May God bless and comfort the Kelly family at this most difficult time.

God speed J.P. , we all will miss you dearly...

Eric Kilis

May 4, 2003

My heart and my prayers go to the Kelly family. I met Lt. Kelly a few years ago when I became a reserve officer with the Neptune Beach Police Department. Lt. Kelly always made me feel as an equal and was always there to assist me in a problem if I needed it. I made a big career decision in my life a year ago and I am proud to say that Lt. Kelly was one of the biggest influences I had in the making of that decision. He made sure I knew that he was there if I ever needed his assistance and for that I am honored to have known him and call him my FRIEND. Be at peace my friend. Eric Kilis, Jacksonville Sheriffs Office.

JENNIFER BUSK

May 4, 2003

Karry, Pete, Mia & Family-



Thinking of all of you and your family during this time. You are in our thoughts and prayers.



With much love,

Jennifer Busk(Nees) and Family

Donny Stratmann

May 4, 2003

I have been blessed to call Jimmy Kelly a friend since working with him at Atlantic Beach in 1973 and although not as near now as then, an old and dear friend indeed.



Although he is no longer here in the body, I am sure that he remains with us all each day; no longer in pain or decline from the affliction that took him from us.



We are sorry to lose him, but rejoice that his battle is over and he has gone on to the reward that the rest of us can only hope to attain; where he will undoubtedly meet us near the gate.



Our deepest sympathy to his family and other friends. We share in your grief and hope to strengthen you with our continued love and support.

JJ Faro, Jr.

May 4, 2003

I cannot imagine your sadness and grief, I can only empathize with your pain. My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of sorrow.

Donna Williams

May 4, 2003

I was shocked and saddened to learn of Jim's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and many friends during this difficult time. "In the hearts of all who knew him his memory lives on and his love endures." May he rest in peace.

Nick VanderWal

May 4, 2003

To Bert, Pete, Karie, and Bonnie, and grandchildren, my sincere condolences for your loss. Jim touched many of us through the years. Mostly, of course, during the early years we worked together in Atlantic Beach. But I also followed his career during his Neptune Beach years with admiration and respect. The beaches have been fortunate to have had alot of good police officers. Jim was at the top. I'm so sorry he did't make it to enjoy retirement with you and the grandchildren. Your friend, Nick VanderWal ABPD#1405, retired

Marty Trauger

May 4, 2003

It saddened me greatly to hear of Jimmy's passing. I met Jim in 1976 when I joined the Atlantic Beach Police Department and we worked together for many years. Jim taught me plenty about police work,and he was a dedicated professional who would never compromise his values. He was a true asset to his department and I am sure he is going to be missed. My heartfelt condolences to the entire Kelly family, may he rest in peace.

Dave Archer

May 4, 2003

We thought of you with love today

But that is nothing new.

We thought about you yesterday

And days before that too.

We think of you in silence

We often speak your name.

Now all we have are memories

And your picture in a frame.

Your memory is our keepsake

With which we'll never part

God has you in His keeping

We have you in our Heart.

Alass My Brother

God, Bless the Kelly family in this time of sorrow and, all those with whom he touched. With your help we will get through this!

So long my friend

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