James Olin "Jack" Kelley

James Olin "Jack" Kelley passed away peacefully at his beach house in Grand Haven on Wednesday, June 14, 2023. He was born in Philadelphia in 1932, but moved to Detroit's east side when he was young, and graduated from St. Clair Shores High School.While in high school, Jack was the two time MHSAA state champion in the pole vault in 1949 and 1950.

Upon graduation from high school, he enlisted in the Navy and served during the Korean War as an Aviation Electrician stationed in Alameda, CA and deployed to Japan, acquiring the rank of First Class Petty Officer (AE1). Upon his discharge from the Navy, Jack returned to East Detroit and caroused, as young men do, with his cronies from the Eastside Bachelors Club.

After a couple of years of being back in Detroit, he utilized the G.I. Bill, and subsequently, attended the University of Michigan. Jack graduated in 1962 with a bachelor's degree in Industrial design and took a job with the Herman Miller Research Corp., which was in Ann Arbor. During this time, he designed/invented modular panel systems, and the first computer mouse pad and platform in conjunction with Douglas Engelbart at Stanford University in 1968.

Jack moved his family to Grand Haven in 1970, and has lived here since. In the 1970's, he developed HMI's healthcare furniture for hospitals (costruc) and the mesh/suspension material used on millions of task chairs worldwide. During his 25 years at HMI, Jack was instrumental in the design and construct of the modern office systems as they are known today, and holds over 180 U.S. utility patents for his work at Herman Miller. He eventually became HMI's Sr. Vice President and Director of corporate/global design.

Jack retired from Herman Miller in the mid 80s and started his own design firm, Studio 222 here in Grand Haven, specializing in integrating computer IT capacities into classic home furniture design. His product design and legacy continue to thrive and support many businesses in our community and beyond.

Jack was an avid sailor, racing in many Chicago/Mac's, Tripp Cups, Queen's Cups, and local Wednesday night races with the GRSC on Lake Michigan. He was a long time member of the GRSC and SLYC, and is honored by the LMSRF as a hall of fame member.

Jack was also active on local boards as a member of the Board at the Kendall Art School, a Commodore at the GRSC, a member of the Grand Haven Harbor board, a long time contributor to the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, a member of the local American Legion Post 28, a long time parishioner of St. Mary's Catholic Church, and a Northwest Ottawa Hospice Hero.

He will be missed by many for his efforts professionally, as well as his deep sense of community and loyalty to his family and friends. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Joanne; his two sons; three grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

A Celebration of his life will be held later this summer to honor his time here with us.

Please visit www.klaassen funeralhome.com to sign Jack's online guestbook.