Deacon James A. Kelly

1942 - 2021

Deacon James A. Kelly

Rumson - James Aloysius Kelly, known to many as Deacon Jim, embraced a New Life on Friday, February 26, 2021 at the age of 78. Jim was born in June 1942 to the late Catherine and Andrew Kelly in Manhattan. He was raised in Highlands and raised his family in Rumson.

Jim was a 1960 graduate of Red Bank Catholic High School. He served our Country honorably in the U.S. Navy on the U.S.S. Diamond Head.

Deacon Jim was Ordained as a Permanent Deacon on May 12, 1979. He served at Holy Cross Parish, Rumson, Holy Trinity Parish, Long Branch, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Highlands, and The Church of the Nativity, Fair Haven. He served as Chaplain for the Rumson Fire Department and was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Council #3187. He did enjoy a career in electronics sales, purchasing and restaurant management but his most satisfying work always remained serving the community as Deacon and Parish Coordinator at The Chapel of Fort Monmouth for 15 years until the Fort closed on September 15, 2011.

He was predeceased by his wife of 42 years, Kathleen; 3 sisters and 1 brother. Surviving are 3 sons and daughters in law, Patrick and Colleen Kelly of Kirkwood, PA, Phillip and Melissa Kelly of Rumson and Peter and Catherine Kelly of Tinton Falls, 6 grandchildren, AJ, Abigail, Timothy, Molly, Caroline and Lauren; his brother and sister in law, William and Kathleen Kelly of West Keansburg and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation to be held at The Church of the Nativity at 180 Ridge Road in Fair Haven on Wednesday, March 3, 2021 from 4-7 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated on Thursday, March 4, 2021 at 11 am at The Church of the Nativity with live streaming also available at www.damianofuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St Stephen's Deacons Fund: Council of Deacons-Office of Clergy, PO Box 5147, Trenton, NJ 08638-0147 with checks payable to: Council of Deacons- St. Stephen's Fund.