James Kelly Casey

James Kelly Casey, 79, passed away peacefully at the James A. Haley VA hospital in Tampa, FL on September 14, 2025.

Known to most as Kelly, he is survived by his beloved wife of 42 years, Susie Rowell Casey of Winter Haven, FL, their loving daughter Heather Swain (Kyle) of Crawfordville, FL and three granddaughters Vivianne, Eden, & Riverley whom he adored. He also leaves behind his brother Allan Casey (Grace) of Winter Haven, FL, brother-in-law Charles Benedict (Abigail) of Tallahassee, FL, nephew Brian Casey (Karen) of Sanford, FL, niece Melissa Casey of Winter Haven, FL, niece Sharla Benedict Region (Brian) and great-niece Zinnia of Bloomington, Indiana, and plenty of beloved cousins, extended family, and friends.

Kelly was preceded in death by his father James, mother Ruth, and sister Patricia.

Kelly was born August 17, 1946 in Perry, FL to parents James Lincoln Casey and Ruth Kelly Casey. He was the middle of 3 children and grew up playing baseball, swimming at Dekle Beach, enjoying hunting, fishing, ROTC and working in his parent's store called Casey's Grocery on Jefferson St. He graduated from Taylor County High School in 1964, then pursued higher education at North Florida Junior College in Madison before transferring to University of Florida in Gainesville where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering. After college, he enlisted as an officer in the U.S. Army to proudly serve his country from 1969 to 1972 during the Vietnam War. He was primarily stationed in Thailand with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. After honorably discharging from the military, he worked as a practicing industrial engineer, servicing customers all over the U.S.

In the late 1960s, the Casey family moved from Perry, FL to Winter Haven, FL. Kelly first introduced himself to his neighbor Susie in 1972. Kelly and Susie enjoyed a fun courtship including couples square dancing and were married June 11, 1983. For most of the 1980s Kelly spent his free time giving back to the community. He coached and sponsored countless teams in Dixie Youth Baseball and joined the Winter Haven Kiwanis Club in 1981. Kelly bought The Children's World from his parents in 1984 and operated it until 2000. The couple welcomed a baby girl in January 1987.

For 44 years Kelly was an active member of the Winter Haven Kiwanis Club, serving in several leadership positions within the club, division, and district. He also served as a past trustee representative of the Florida Kiwanis Foundation. His passion for serving the children of Winter Haven and greater Polk County brought him great joy. You could find him volunteering to decorate parade floats, giving out school supplies, and flipping pancakes at the annual Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast.

A dedicated servant to his faith, Kelly was also a longstanding member of Beymer Memorial United Methodist Church. He served on several committees over the years and will be sorely missed by the woodcarving group. What started as a retirement hobby, woodcarving revealed his true artistry and talent. A self-taught woodcarver and artist, his Casey's Creations are recognized by their uniqueness and lifelike appeal. His pieces have won several awards, placing multiple times in the Florida State Fair and always possessing an uncanny attention to detail and precision. 2 of his pieces were published in Woodcarving Illustrated an International publication.

Kelly will be remembered fondly for his sweet demeanor, easy going spirit, kind smile, congeniality, and fun sense of humor. He was an avid Florida Gator fan and you could find him cheering on Gator sports year-round. A loyal friend with a general compassion for others afforded him many friends. Such a dapper gentleman, always easy to love and laugh with, and as such, he touched many lives. He was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather and will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew him.

A Celebration of Life for Kelly will be held at Beymer Memorial United Methodist Church, 700 N. Lake Howard Drive, Winter Haven, FL on September 28, 2025 with viewing at 2pm and service to follow at 3pm. The Committal will be held on September 29, 2025 at 10am in Woodlawn Cemetery in Perry, FL.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Good Shepherd Hospice, 450 Arneson Ave, Auburndale, FL 33823.

Friends may send condolences to the family at ww.joepburnsfuneralhomes.com