Oceanside, New York
Castle Keep
Nearly every room in the Kelly family's home in Oceanside, N.Y., has some sort of feminine touch or floral print, which is not surprising, considering the women outnumbered the men five to one.
But not the family room.
That was the space known as Kells's domain, where James J. Kelly, who would have celebrated his 40th birthday yesterday, was king.
He hung photographs of his college fraternity brothers and the "Cantor Boys," his buddies at Cantor Fitzgerald, where he worked on the mortgage desk. He furnished it with plum-colored couches and a 55-inch television with multiple remote controls.
"It's just very Daddyish," said Joanne, Mr. Kelly's wife and high school sweetheart.
And when it came to the kitchen, Mr. Kelly had his own specialties. He was renowned for his popcorn and M & M mixtures.
He made Mets fans of his four young daughters ‹ "the squad," he called them ‹ by serving waffles and milkshakes for Sunday breakfast after Saturday victories.
Now, the girls take turns sitting in his spot at the kitchen table, and Mrs. Kelly dreads the times of day that she used to cherish, like 6:30 p.m., when Kells would return to his domain.
"I still think he's going to walk up the driveway swinging his keys," she said. "He would walk through the door and everything would change."
JoJo I can't believe its 15 years. I loved the times we had working together at the Branding Iron. I miss that smiling face of Kells
Bruce Weinstein
September 08, 2016 | North Merrick, NY
I grew up with them both and have many fond memories. His sweet smile and their endless love for each other.
Kathleen Gerace
April 21, 2013 | Scottsdale, AZ
an amazing man..heaven received an angel who is watching over all of us
anaonymous
September 18, 2012
Kells lived in my dorm at Geneseo and I just wanted to let you know I'm thinking of him 11 years later. He was a good man, and I'm sorry for your loss and for the tragedy that led to his passing.
Larry Moonan
September 11, 2012 | Carmel, CA
Joanne/JoJo, I was trying to reconnect with some friends from SUNY Cortland and came across the news of Jimmy's passing.I was so sad for you and your girls and think of you and the family often. I was able to reconnect with other girls from our 401 suite and we all think of you often. Hope you are well.
Barbara Keating/Bachus
December 30, 2011 | Ballston Lake, NY
I did not know your husband. I found his name when I dedicated my status to one of the victims of 9/11. He sounds a lot like my husband, so I am sure you and your daughters miss him a great deal. I pray it is of some comfort to you that he has not been forgotten, and there are soldiers like my brother that are on active duty to promote safety, protect this country and provide support to free governments worldwide. Peace be with you.
Dianne Parker
September 12, 2011 | Willmar, MN
On the tenth anniversary of 9/11, your loved one was remembered. Today I again wore the bracelet that I received right after 9/11/01 that bears the name "JAMES JOSEPH KELLY". It is an responsibility to remember the tragedy and an honor to remember such a special man. I pray that you are doing well and that the pain lessens every day. God bless you, Nancy
Nancy Riddell-Dudra
September 11, 2011 | Minneapolis, MN
Dear Joanne,
I could only think of how proud Jimmy would have been of you as he listened to his oldest daughter speak at the memorial today. What a beautiful and articulate women who is a proud refelection of the person he was and the mother you are.
When I have thought about Jimmy during each anniversary, I remember him as one of the kindest, humorous, and most giving human beings I have ever met.
I am embarassed to have not reached out in the past to tell you how...
Kevin Mullins
September 11, 2011 | Lloyd Harbor, NY
I went to Scared Heart Elementary School North Merrick. Jimmy was a year ahead of me but I knew him from running track for the CYO program. I was sick one day from school and my older brother brought my books home for my home work assignments. Along with the books, he gave me a lollipop and said that Jimmy Kelly had given it to him to give to me and said he hoped I felt better. I must have been no older than 7 or 8 years old so that kind gesture came from a 8 or 9 year old. I always...
Tom
September 11, 2011 | Westfield, NJ