Jonathan David Kelley

Jonathan David Kelley died on January 28, 2025, at the age of 42. He was born on March 21, 1982 and grew up in Chesapeake, VA. From the beginning he was upbeat, humorous, and walked to the beat of his own drum. In his youth, Jon spent a lot of time with his extended family. He went fishing and crabbing and swam in the ocean. He played with his neighborhood friends and participated in organized sports. His life came to center around a core group of friends who attended school together, made music together, took trips together, and triumphed in a shared sense of humor. He excelled at the violin, playing in school, city, and state orchestras and was highly recognized for his ability. He played guitar with skill and creativity in a variety of bands at countless venues.
Jon attended East Carolina University on a music scholarship. He later graduated with a bachelor's degree from James Madison University. He lived in Florida and returned to Chesapeake, reconnecting with old companions and forging bonds with his coworkers that often evolved into lasting friendships.
In his work, he served others. Sometimes it was a warm cup of coffee handed over with a pleasantness that earned him repeat customers and official commendations, other times it was in a customer service role where he treated people with compassion and respect.
He was a loving and dedicated pet owner to his adopted stray cats, Bobby and Sadie.
He vacationed with his family in the mountains, and undertook regular beach trips and adventurous outings (camping, whitewater rafting) with his lifelong friends. He loved to play disc golf. He was better at table tennis than he had any right to be. He was a good baseball player in his youth. An accomplished musician, Jon practiced and performed with numerous bands, ensembles, and orchestras in middle school, high school, college, and beyond, but what he may have loved most was jamming on the guitar with his friends - sometimes in the sun room of his home, sometimes in the garage, sometimes on the outdoor deck of a friend, or even a storage unit - anywhere he could practice without arousing trouble for disturbing the peace. There was a time when he was obsessed with bass fishing, mostly at golf course water hazards and retention ponds. He valued authenticity. Low-key gatherings with friends and attending live music events brought him joy. He loved Indian cuisine. Music and connection to his longtime friends formed a throughline from his earlier years to middle age.
Jon always had a special bond with his brother which naturally extended to his sister-in-law and later his niece and nephew, both of whom he loved dearly and would selflessly spend time playing wiffle ball, baseball, blowing bubbles, trail walks, lunch dates, numerous board games, or marathon FIFA soccer matches. He was an adoring uncle, always tender and encouraging.
It is impossible to capture the life of Jonathan Kelley in words, but such is the required form of this offering. Those who knew his heart will please understand and remember his true character.
Jon was a gentle soul, hilarious, witty and perceptive, a talented musician. He was a loyal man who remained true to himself to the very end. He will be missed by everyone who ever knew him.
Jon is survived by his parents, Robert (Bob) and Betty of Chesapeake, VA, his brother and sister-in-law Robert and Mary Ann, his nephew (Patrick) and niece (Caroline), and a host of loving family and friends. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents (Marion Edward and Mary Kelley), and maternal grandparents (Robert and Maude West).
A memorial service honoring Jon's life, followed by a reception, will be held at Graham Funeral Home and Crematory, 1112 Kempsville Road, Chesapeake, on Wednesday, February 12 at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, please do something good for someone else, whether a charitable donation of your choosing or an act of kindness.
Please visit grahamfuneralhome.com to leave a condolence to the family.