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James Kelley Obituary
AMESBURY — James Patrick Kelley, 45, beloved son of David S. and Joan C. (O'Brien) Kelley, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, Sept. 13, 2009 at his home in Amesbury, after a brief and sudden illness.
Jim was born Aug. 20, 1964 in Lynn. He graduated from North Shore Vocational Technical School in Beverly, in 1984 specializing in culinary arts. Jim was most recently employed at Career Resource Inc. in Haverhill, and Opportunity Works in Newburyport.
Jim's capacity and spirit for volunteerism was unwavering and truly admirable. Every year he volunteered for the Special Olympics, the Pan-Mass Challenge, the Yankee Homecoming in Newburyport, the annual auction benefiting Opportunity Works in Newburyport, the Boy Scouts of America and many other charities. Jim was a member of the Knights of Columbus, council No. 250 of Amesbury, and a proud member of the Newburyport, Ancient Order of the Hibernians. Jim was most proud of his Irish heritage and loved all things Irish.
Jim was an avid participant in Revolutionary War re-enactments and was most recently a member of the 1st Newmarket Colonial Militia in Newmarket, N.H. and previously the Lexington-Concord Minutemen of Concord, Mass. One of the highlights of Jim's life was participating in the Presidential Inaugural Parade in January, 2005 as a member of Lexington-Concord Minutemen. Jim was also a strong supporter of buying USA-made products and supporting American based industries.
Jim's surviving family includes his parents David S. and Joan C. (O'Brien) Kelley of Wallingford, Vt.; sister Barbara Kelley of Rutland, Vt.; sister Kathleen Kelley Lindstrom and brother-in-law Scott Lindstrom of Lee, N.H.; sister Shar Kelley of Brookline; brother Christopher Kelley and sister-in-law Amy of Danvers; nephews Liam, Nathan and Luca; and nieces Sophia and Lauren.
ARRANGEMENTS: Family and friends are invited to honor Jim's memory between 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 17 at the Highland Chapel of Paul C. Rogers & Sons Funeral Home, 2 Hillside Ave., Amesbury. A Catholic funeral Mass will be held at St. Joseph's Church of Holy Family Parish, 2 School St., Amesbury, on Friday, Sept. 18, 2009 at 11 a.m. Burial interment immediately following the funeral Mass will be held at Mount Vernon Cemetery in West Boxford. In lieu of flowers the family gratefully appreciates that you honor Jim through donations to the Special Olympics, 450 Maple St., Bldg. 2, Danvers, MA 01923 (www.specialolympics.org) or the Pan-MA Challenge, 77 Fourth Ave., Needham, MA 02494 (www.pmc.org).
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October 11, 2010
A year has passed and we miss your enthusiasm still.
elle
Julie Long
September 30, 2009
To the Kelley Family,
We were shocked by Jim's passing and so sorry--words cannot express it fully. The ceremony was wonderful and held on a beautiful, sunny day; surely, a reminder that there is always a beautiful light shining, even in the darkest moments of our lives.
Jimmy was a blessed child of God, who touched many people and will be sorely missed by all.
I hope, with the passage of time, your pain will be healed, and you will remember the love and laughter Jimmy brought into your lives.
With much love from the Long & Nazarian Families
September 27, 2009
KK and family,
I have a nice memory of Jim having to hang out with the girls one day as we talked bridal/bridesmaid talk. What a trooper!! If anybody needed directions from here to Canada...he was your man! We are so sorry to hear of the news!
Meg and Jackson Percy
Frank Vieira
September 27, 2009
Kathy your entire family is in our prayers, please accept our warmest condolences for you loss. Jim sounds like a great man, the world will be a sadder place without him.
Love always,
The Vieiras
Frank, Sharlean, Jessica, Frankie, Samantha, David & Daniel
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Alison Steingisser
September 27, 2009
Dear Kathy and family,
When Kathy and I were friends in high school, I spent alot of time at your home, and Jim was a tall, gangly teen back then. I remember him as a sweet, kind, loving person. I'm sure he grew up to be that kind of man as well.
I am so sorry to hear he passed away. Thinking of him reminds me of being young and the good times I had at your home, how welcoming your family was, and how much you loved your son.
Alison Steingisser (Joyce)
Patty Bryan
September 26, 2009
Dear Kathy and Kelley Family,
Thinking of you at this difficult time. May your wonderful memories of Jim bring comfort. It has been years since I last saw Jim, but I remember how he made me smile! Patty Bryan
Trina Emelander
September 25, 2009
I regret that I didn't know my cousin well, being so far away. But I remember him always with a smile, upbeat attitude and the warmest of greetings. What a kind and compassionate soul. I'll miss you Jimmy. Love always, Cousin Trina
Debbie Trippett
September 25, 2009
Kathy, I'm so sorry. I haven't been on facebook in over a month. I checked in today and saw the news. You and your family have my deepest sympathies. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Erin, Beatrice, Eugenia
September 21, 2009
Uncle Dave, Aunt Joan & cousins,
We were dismayed to learn of Jim's passing away, and wish we could be closer to you in such a difficult time. Our thoughts are always with you, and we will miss Jim's early- morning Christmas greetings. Love from the three of us.
Susan Flibotte
September 20, 2009
Our thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Kathleen Bailey
September 17, 2009
Hearing of your loss saddened me and I offer my sincere and heartfelt sympathies. Jim's dedication to that which he believed in was phenomenal. We all could learn from his dedication to volunterism. I will truly miss him telling me what all I have to do with regard to Yankee Homecoming. He certainly knew all of the ins and outs of the annual YH celebrations. Many will miss him...I know I will. My prayers will be with your family.
September 17, 2009
To The Kelley Family,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Jim. He was a great inspiration to our rollerskating team. He will be sadly missed by the entire team. Our thoughs and prayers are with you all.
Caren Turner
Special Olympics Rollerskating Coach
Jill Benas
September 17, 2009
Dear Joan and Dave, I am so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. I will always remember his willingness to help out at church and his love of participating in re-enactments. May all the good memories sustain you during the difficult days ahead without him.
With deepest sympathies,
Jill Benas, Boxford, MA
Dianne Ross
September 17, 2009
To The Kelley Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I was in elementary school with Jimmy in Wallingford. I always wondered where he went and remembered his enthusiasm. Such a small world that he lived so close to me as I live in Ipswich, MA now and I didn't even know. My prayers are with you all.
Dianne (Smith) Ross
Lisa Kelley
September 16, 2009
Uncle David and Aunt Joan,
We're sorry to hear of Jimmie's passing. He was a great man of great charm.
Regards
~Ed Kelley &
September 16, 2009
DeColores Jim. The Lord was always with you and now you are with Him. May you be at peace.
Scott & Cathleen Jillson
Richard McLaughlin
September 16, 2009
I am very sorry to hear about the passing of Jimmy Kelley. I worked at North Shore Technical High School when Jimmy was a student. He was always enthusiastic about working to make the school better and to include his fellow students in activities. I saw Jim at the class reunion a year ago and that enthusiasm was still the same. My prayers and thoughts are with Jimmy's family. North Shore Tech's Class of 1984 will never forget Jimmy Kelley!
Diane Huggard Juke
September 16, 2009
Dear Joan and Dave. I am sincerely sorry to hear of your loss. Your son was one to be proud of and my prayers go out to you and Jims family.
September 16, 2009
DeColores Jim!
On to Glory.
elle
Michael Volpone
September 16, 2009
We are so sorry for your loss. Jim was always very involved in both organizations I was in with him (Yankee Homecoming and AOH). His dedication and willingness to help out was always instrumental in the programs success. He will be surely missed. In our motto
September 16, 2009
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Jimmy will truly be missed.
Love Sue, Dana and DJ
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