James Lennon Kelly Sr.

About

Auburn University

FUNERAL HOME

Striffler-Hamby Mortuary

4071 Macon Road

Columbus, Georgia

James Kelly Obituary

Col. (Ret) James Lennon Kelly, Sr. October 8, 1922- March 7, 2006 COLUMBUS, GA— Col. (Ret) James Lennon Kelly, Sr., 83, of Columbus, GA died at his residence Tuesday, March 7, 2006. Cryptside services will be held at 3:00PM today, March 10, 2006 at Memorial Mausoleum in Parkhill Cemetery with Dr. Hal Brady and Reverend Helen Berenthien officiating according to Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, Macon Road. Col. (Ret.) James Lennon Kelly, Sr. was born October 8, 1922 in Cedar Springs, Ga. son of the late Frank Kelly and Freddie Buckner Kelly. He was a WWII veteran retiring as a Colonel in the National Guard, Army Corps Engineers. Mr. Kelly was a 1944 graduate of Auburn University earning a degree in Civil Engineering. He was a member of St. Luke United Methodist Church and the East Columbus Rotary Club. Mr. Kelly was also active in numerous other community events and civic organizations. He was the President of Wright and Associates Inc., then President of Kelly and Associates Inc., President of the GA Chapter of the AGC, later working for the City of Columbus as a civil engineer and for Steele Properties before retiring. Mr. Kelly will be remembered for his gifts of encouragement, serving and his positive attitude. He served others in his church, community, and was a regular volunteer for the Hospitality Wagon at St. Francis Hospital. He celebrated his Irish heritage each year on St. Patrick's Day. Mr. Kelly loved his God, country and family. Mr. Kelly served as a mentor to many on a regular basis, however, his greatest legacy was to his sons as they learned from him what it is to love and cherish their wives. Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Jane Gatewood Kelly of Columbus, GA; a son, James L. Kelly, Jr. and his wife, Julie of Atlanta, GA; a daughter, Jan K. LeClair and her husband, Jim of Marietta, GA; two sisters, Hilda Johnson and Evelyn Carter both of AL; five grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made in Mr. Kelly's memory to St. Luke United Methodist Church, Samaritan's Fund, P.O. Box 867, Columbus, GA 31902 or your favorite charity. Please visit www.striffler-hamby.com to sign the on-line guest registry.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Columbus Ledger-Enquirer on Mar. 10, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for James Kelly

3 Entries

Jim Perdue

March 20, 2006

Dear Jane, Jimbo and Jan,

You may not remember me but I have many fond memories of Jim, a truly man of honor and integrity. He always had kind and thoughful words to exchange when in his presence. We moved from Columbus in 1968 and I only had the pleasure of seeing Jim on rare occasions while visiting. It was always a delight to see him and I can understand the loss you are experiencing at this time. May God bless all of you, and your memories of Jim give you strength and everlasting love for having someone so special.

God's Blessings,

Jim and Anna Perdue

Jana Capan

March 11, 2006

Dear Jane, Jimbo, Jan and Family:

I just got the paper in and read Mr. Kelly's obituary. I am so very sorry to hear this. Ya'll were accurate in stating his openly discussed love for Jane. Every woman should be so lucky. Every word out of his mouth showed his love for all of you. He also had love for all of us around him.

I considered Mr. Kelly and Mr. Steele true southern gentlemen. They both gave of themselves to those they came in contact with.

I was blessed to work with Mr. Kelly and know him - you were blessed having him as a husband and father.

I can see him with his trail mix and blue hat on driving his white Lincoln. That will be how I will remember him. He and Mr. Steele were funny together. He was a true friend to Mr. Steele.

If ya'll need anything, I am here in Columbus. My phone number is 322-3537. If I had known of his passing I would have been at the funeral.

God bless you.

Jana Capan

Murphy Jenkins

March 10, 2006

Jimbo,

I am so sorry to read of your dad's passing. For many years I would see and talk to your dad at Chandler's pharmacy. He was the epitomy of a true southern gentleman. He always had a smile and a positive comment for everyone. Please accept my sincerest condolences.

Murphy Jenkins

Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results