James Francis Kelly

1934 - 2024

James Francis Kelly

February 17, 1934 - October 31, 2024

James Francis Kelly, born Feb 17, 1934, died quietly in his sleep October 31, 2024 in Vancouver, WA with his niece and nephew by his side. A devout Catholic, he received the Last Rights before he passed. Jim was raised in Centerville attending St. Lawrence School and Butte Central. He joined the service and served in Korea. He was married in 1965 to Daisy Roberts and divorced in 1989. They had no children together.

Jim is remembered by his long-time Seattle friend, Tim Welch: Jim walked to mass at St. James every morning rain or shine from his apartment three blocks away where he lived since 1987. Every day my father and Jim would go for coffee nearby after mass with a group of parishioners where they would engage in lively political discussions. Jim was well read as he was a longtime New York Times subscriber. He also had a sharp wit and a great sense of humor.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, William Daniel and Madeline Irene Leahy Kelly; his sisters, Mary Catherine Pacheco, Leah Madrazo, Jean Finley and brothers William Daniel & John Patrick Kelly; his nieces and nephews Carol Madrazo, Bob & Jim Pacheco, Mike, Dan, Larry & Pat Finley; and his grand nephew Shaun Madrazo.

Jim is survived by nine nieces and nephews: Peg Pacheco, Carmen Bartholomew, Phil & Tom Madrazo, Jeananne Williams, Katie Webster, Tim, Irene & Jerry Finley; and ten grand nieces and nephews and their children.

Cremation has taken place. Following a Funeral Mass, Jim will be buried at Holy Cross Cemetery in Butte with his parents and brothers. Time and date to be determined.