On Sunday, March 28, 2021, the Lord called Colonel (US Army, Retired) James "Buddy" Kelly home. Buddy was born on August 4, 1945, in Jackson, MS, the youngest child of James Cazell Kelly Jr. and Belvia Overby Kelly. The highlight of his high school career was his participation in Junior ROTC, which prepared him for a lifelong leadership role and cemented his desire for a military career. Buddy continued with Army ROTC at Ole Miss where he was Cadet Brigade Commander. He graduated from Ole Miss with a BA degree in Social Studies in 1967 and an MS in School Administration in 1969 and entered active duty on March 6, 1969. Buddy served his country with distinction on active duty for 30 years, serving multiple assignments in the US, Vietnam, and Europe, culminating in his last assignment at Ft. Monroe. He received numerous medals and decorations including three Legions of Merit and the Bronze Star. His favorite assignment , though, was his first tour at Ft. Bragg, NC where he met and married the love of his life, Vicky Seiler, on June 25, 1977.

Upon retirement in 1999, he threw himself into the only job he really wanted, spoiling Vicky, doing so with every fiber of his body until the Lord called him home. Buddy never met a stranger and loved the Lord with all his heart, mind, and soul. A faithful member of Libertylive Church, he rededicated his life to Christ and was baptized in 2008. He enjoyed serving and helping others whenever he could. Buddy reflected Christ and was an encourager to many. He loved to drive his BMW to the thrift shops to dig for treasures, golf, play cards, fish, and root for his Dallas Cowboys and New York Yankees.

Buddy was predeceased by his parents and his sisters, Helen Stodghill and Betty Jo Arnold. Left to mourn his loss are his devoted wife, Vicky; his daughter, Jennifer Celeste (Eddy) Zigmont of Clinton, NC; son, James Craig Kelly of Wilmington, NC; and granddaughter, Logan Zigmont (Kevin) Davenport; along with numerous close friends and his sweet dog, Hershey. A memorial service will be held on Friday, April 9, 2021, at 11 am, at LibertyLive Church, 1021 Big Bethel Rd, Hampton, VA and via live stream, https://libertylive.church/livestream/. Interment will follow in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or LibertyLive Church Building Fund.

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Published by Daily Press from Apr. 3 to Apr. 4, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for James Kelly

10 Entries

Pat Jernigan

February 8, 2022

Have been catching up with old friends and colleagues this morning, and deeply saddened to belatedly learn of Bud's passing. We served together as traveling members of the DA IG inspection team in the mid 1980s. He was an outstanding professional, a credit to the Army, a wonderful colleague and friend. My condolences to Miss Vicky and family. Wish I'd known. Would have liked very much to attend the Arlington services.

Kevin Hagerich

December 19, 2021

Rest In Peace

Karen Shea LTC USA (Ret)

December 19, 2021

Buddy was my mentor when I was a young Captain at Ft Polk in the 1980´s. He had such a great leadership style strong -yet somehow still caring. All the years under his leadership will never be forgotten. What a great life gone too soon.

Craig Kelly

April 7, 2021

I loved my Dad very much and will miss him. He wasn't just my Dad, he was my friend.

Michael Mack

April 6, 2021

Sorry to hear of Bud's passing. Worked with him at TRADOC and played golf with him as well. Good guy, he will be missed. Condolences to his family. Mike Mack

Donnie Blake

April 5, 2021

Buddy was a true friend to all of us that knew him at the Goodwill Outlet store. He and I often had conversations before the store opened, and we would always help each other with our individual quests for the treasures that we were seeking. On of his friends collects PEZ dispensers. I have lost count of how many of those things that I have bought and gave to Buddy. I have also lost count of the many marbles that he has given me over the years. He will be greatly missed by the store's staff as well as the customers that shopped by his side.

John Baer

April 5, 2021

FORE God! Mr Kelly now on heaven’s 1st tee. He will hit it long and straight, and make every putt. Thanks for 30+ years of friendship and a lot of great, always fun competitive golf. Faith tells me Bud will continue to watch over his family and many friends from a good place.

Celeste ZIgmont

April 4, 2021

I miss him already. I am so grateful for the last couple of years we have had together.

Linda Earnhardt

April 3, 2021

A beautiful tribute to a life well lived. The Angels are rejoicing to welcome another soul into Heaven. Rest in peace dear Buddy until we meet again.

Jamie Sisler

April 3, 2021

I am deeply saddened to hear of Bud’s passing. I worked with him at Ft. Monroe and played many rounds of golf with him. He’s playing in heaven! Sending hugs and prayers! A great man and leader.

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