Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
James Kelly Obituary
March 18, 1930 - August 31, 2016
Resident of Orinda
James Patrick Kelly died on Wednesday after a long battle with Melanoma. His leadership and love left an indelible mark on his family, friends, relations as far as Ireland and the business he co-founded, Emerald Packaging, Inc., in Union City, CA. He died on the 53rd anniversary of its founding.
James ("Jim") was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. to native Irish parents and graduated from St. John's University, N.Y. in 1952 following a stint in the U.S. Army. He received an M.B.A. in 1955 from New York University. He blazed a trail into the burgeoning plastics industry going on to start Emerald Packaging in 1963. The company pioneered packaging for the produce industry, including premade bagged salads. Today it employs 250 people at its manufacturing facility in Union City.
Jim married his wife Rosaleen, who survives him, in 1957 and is survived by children, Jim Jr. and wife Alyssa of Walnut Creek; Kevin and wife Erin of Oakland; and Maura Koberlein and husband Derril of Castro Valley; and grandchildren Siobhan, Michael, Cormac, Maeve and Fiona Kelly and Kaleen Gallagher in addition step-grandchildren Hailey and Madison. He is also survived by his sister Mary Lynn of Brooklyn, N.Y. who was at his bedside when he died, and brother Joseph of Brooklyn, N.Y. and preceded in death by brothers Jack and Thomas. He is also survived by dozens of New York and Irish relations who heralded his success and willingness to lend a hand to immigrants.
Jim generously contributed his talent and treasure to many educational institutions, focused mainly on capital projects and financial aid to Catholic schools in the East Bay. He received honorary doctorates for his achievements and contributions from St. John's University of N.Y. and Holy Names University of Oakland, where he served for many years on the Board of Trustees.
Friends and family are invited to a funeral Mass at Santa Maria Catholic Church in Orinda on Saturday September 10 at 10:30 with reception to follow immediately after at Claremont Country Club in Oakland. In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions be made in Jim's memory to either St. Joseph's Notre Dame High School, Kelly Scholarship Fund, 1011 Chestnut St., Alameda, CA 94501 or UCSF Foundation, P.O. Box 45330, San Francisco, CA 94145. "Dr. Adil Daud Research Fund" should be on the check's memo line.
View the online memorial for James Patrick Kelly
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Kelly
Sponsored by San Jose Mercury News.
hank carlson
August 29, 2022
no one like jp. one in a million and I and others miss him lots.
Gerard (Jerry) McIntyre
December 28, 2016
I've known Jim since high school in Brooklyn, NY. We were both on the track team where Jim was a star quarter miler winning a four year scholarship to St. John University. Over the years, Jim and Rosaleen my wife and I would have dinner together and do catch up. We will miss Jim, and remember him always.
Bernadette and Jerry McIntyre
Dennis Albin
September 9, 2016
My sincere condolences to all of you. I'm sorry I only knew Jim a short time. My thoughts will be with you.
Kitty Kelly
September 9, 2016
May Jim's noble soul rest in peace.May he share his eternal reward with his loved ones who have gone before him.
September 8, 2016
As Jim approached the Pearly Gates there was a sign that read " Well Done my Good and Faithful Servant...!!!" RIP
Sharon Swearington/Class of 1983 - HNU
Steve Glazer
September 6, 2016
Jim was a special man; kind, generous, positive and smart. I always enjoyed the all-knowing twinkle in his eye as we discussed people and politics. He will be deeply missed.
Barbara Gregory
September 6, 2016
Kevin and family ,
I am deeply saddened by Jim's death. I am going to be out of town this weekend to my daughter , in Eureka area. A donation in your Dad's honor is on its way to SJND.
Barbara Gregory
Dick (deceased 8/14/2008) class of 51
Krystal DB
September 6, 2016
For the friends and family of Mr Kelly, I am so very sorry for your loss. May the God of all comfort hear your heartbroken prayers and support you during these difficult times.
Hank Carlson
September 5, 2016
Great run pal--lucky to have been in your shadow.
Sister Maureen Hester, SNJM
September 4, 2016
I write this note remembering my brother Joe Hester who had such a love for Jim -- they had many laughs together. My heart goes out to Rosaleen and the family. May your memories of Jim give you strength, hope, and a desire to make the world a better place. That is what his life says to me.
Steve Phelps
September 4, 2016
Rosalyn and the Kelly Family, Jim was a great man in every way in and in every aspect of his life. He cared deeply for his bride of 62 years and for his family and for so many other people. His values and and life led him to find God in all people and things. We have lost a giant who will live on in his children and grandchildren and all the thousands of people's lives who are better becasue of him. He is surely with God and will be waiting for all of us.
Jo'Ann De Quattro
September 3, 2016
It was my privilege to know Jim as a loyal member of the Holy Names University Board. Indeed, Jim was a prince of a man! While I have not seen him for several years, I know that he will be missed by all who shared life with him. May he rest in peace. May his liberation from pain and suffering be liberating for those who love him. May God bless Jim's family.
In peace, with prayers, Sister Jo'Ann De Quattro, snjm
kEVIN OCONNELL & family
September 3, 2016
Rosaleen, and the entire Kelly clan.My heart is empty with the passing of Jim.His loving,& loyal friendship will remain with myself, and Margaret forever.GOD SPEED.
Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results
Make a Donation
in James Kelly's name
Memorial Events
for James Kelly
How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor James Kelly's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
