James Patrick Kelly

1929 - 2023

Oct. 28, 1929 - April 11, 2023 James Patrick Kelly passed away peacefully in his home at the age of age 93 with his wife Carole by his side. Jim grew up in Los Angeles, and was a proud alumnus of Mt Carmel High School where he met many of his lifetime friends. He received a college degree from Pepperdine University after he returned home from his years in the Army. He lived his entire married life in Lakewood, California, and was the proud patriarch of Arabella Street for 64 years! Jim was a proud Irishman who was blessed with the "gift of the gab". He shared this gift with everyone he met, and had a unique ability to quickly befriend strangers by showing genuine interest in their lives, and never forgot a story that was told to him. Jim was happiest when he was talking about his family, Ireland, and sports (especially the St John Bosco Braves!), and he loved taking trips down memory lane and sharing stories from his past. Favorites include his childhood mischief with friends, his time in the Army that sent him to Germany, family camping trips, and the many cruises he and his wife took around the world. But wherever he was, Jim's favorite pastime was blackjack and he had an uncanny knack to find a casino wherever he and Carole roamed! With cards in hand and a Pepsi on the table, Jim could be found enjoying conversation with his fellow gamblers. Jim was a loyal Rockwell employee for 30 years and helped many young people get their start in aerospace. He and Carole were devoted parishioners of Saint Bernard's Catholic Church where their seven children attended school, and faithful volunteers with the Knights of Columbus. For 20 years he could be found at the KC Hall in Bellflower every Monday night fundraising for charities, handing out Bingo cards, and sharing laughs. Jim was loved by his family and friends, and everyone who spent time with him always walked away with a smile, an interesting story, and a meaningful life lesson. His greatest joy was spending time with his family, including his wife of 64 years Carole, his seven children (Kevin, Cathy, Colleen, Pat, Jimmy, Chrissy, and Sean) and their spouses, his 15 grandchildren, one great grandchild, and nieces and nephews. Jim was predeceased by his parents, James and Mary, brother Walter, and sister "Teasa". Jim will be missed dearly, but his memory and spirit will live on in his legacy of family, loyalty, and friendship. Services will be held on Monday, May 15, 2023 at All Soul's Chapel in Long Beach. There will be a Rosary at 10:45, and a funeral mass will start at 11:00 with a reception to follow.