James Kelly Sr.

James Michael Kelly, Sr. "Kelso" passed away Jan. 1, 2018, surrounded by loving family while in Mayo Hospice Care.

Jim, 74, was born July 28, 1943, in Rochester, to Fabian and Mary Kelly. In 1961, he graduated from Stewartville High School.

He enlisted in the Navy and served from 1966-1968. He was part of Patrol Squadron Group 26 during the Vietnam War.

On May 29, 1969, Jim married his sweetheart, Carol (Haynes), in Sioux Falls, S.D. The couple of 48 years lived their entire lives in the Rochester area. Jim was a truck dispatcher for International Transportation and later an auto mechanic and part owner of Eastwood Auto Works in Rochester.

Jim's passions were following NASCAR, drag racing, collectible cars, car-shows and spending time with family and friends. He was a founding member of the Zephyrs Car Club and also the Southern Minnesota Street Machine Association for over forty years.

He is survived by his wife, Carol; his sons, Clint (Deb) Kelly of Rochester and James, Jr. (Annette) Kelly of Rochester; his daughters, Chris (Lance) Jackels of Eden Prairie and Lori (Alec) Bratvold of Rochester; and his amazing grandchildren, Grant, Madison, Dakota, Tennor, Sam, Spencer, Sophia and Laiah. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fabian and Mary Kelly.

A funeral Mass will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 6, at the Church of the Resurrection Catholic Church in Rochester. A light lunch will be served following the service. Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 5, at the Church of the Resurrection Catholic Church in Father Zenk Hall. His final resting place will be the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery with military honors in Preston, at a later date.

The family would like to give a heartfelt thanks to Mayo Clinic Hospice staff and to the nurses on Joseph 3G for their support, care and unbelievable kindness through these last difficult months. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the family to support funeral expenses.