James Daniel Kelleher

1938 - 2016

July 1, 1938 - April 12, 2016 J.D. Kelleher, beloved brother, uncle, and friend, passed away in his home on April 12, 2016. JD was born July 1, 1938, in St. Louis, MO. After spending his childhood years there, the family moved to Los Angeles, where he made his home for the past 60 years. After graduating Cal State LA in 1962, he ventured into the real estate business. J.D. opened Los Feliz Properties in 1964 with a one-person staff and the business grew rapidly. During the 70s and 80s, under the J.D. Kelleher & Associates umbrella, he expanded the company to include offices in all 5 of the Southern California counties. As a long-time resident of the Los Feliz area, he operated his real estate and property management business from the company headquarters on Hillhurst Avenue. He received the California Realtor Forty Years Emeritus Award in 2007. J.D. was a man of many interests. In the early 70s, he entered law school, receiving his Juris Doctorate in 1976. As a real estate law specialist, he was often called upon to provide insight as an expert witness. His experience and expertise in all aspects of real estate made him a valuable asset to the court. He loved flying and piloted single- and multi-engine aircraft as well as helicopters. For 28 years, he was the President and CEO of Southland Aviation, where many aspiring pilots in the southland learned to fly. During his early 20s, J.D. served our country for 6 years in the US Navy, Special Forces, in Coronado, CA, and then Japan. While there, he taught English and received his 2nd degree Black Belt in Karate. Growing up, sports was a passion for JD. He was a successful basketball and baseball player. As a pitcher, he was particularly proud of the no-hitter he threw while playing for the Navy. As an adult, he enjoyed boating, horseback riding, playing tennis, and golf. J.D. was also a philanthropist, quietly and anonymously supporting the charities that were important to him. J.D. is survived by his sister, Joan Arlotto and her husband Michael; nieces Michele Arlotto Nelson and Julie Arlotto Ellis; nephew Michael Arlotto and their families.