James Kelly

James R. Kelly

November 23, 1939 – January 25, 2025

James R.(Jim) Kelly, 85 of Cody WY passed away January 25, at the Big Horn Rehabilitation and Care Center in Sheridon WY. He was born in 1939, the oldest of 12 children to Jim and Audrey Wheeler-Kelly in Macomb, IL.  He married Norene Heaton December 24, 1958. She along with his parents, and 1 son, Shawn precedes him in death. Jim is survived by 2 sons, 4 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. James M. Kelly of Helena, MT daughters Gwen Canton, of Sacramento, CA & Jessica Schanzenbach, Salem, OR 3 great grandchildren Aideen, Caleb and Rin. Stewart (Maurine) Kelly, of Louisburg, KS, granddaughter JamiAnn, Lawernce, KS. Daughter-n-Law Julie Kelly, grandson, Tyler of Louisburg KS. 4 brothers, Roger(Nancy) Kelly, Don(Diane) Kelly of Steeleville, IL, Tom Kelly of De Quoin, IL and Jack(Jill) Kelly Cody WY. 3 sisters, Mary(Clyde) Jockisch Rushville, IL, Martha(Jeff) Fouts and Margaret Parry, Macomb, IL. Many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.    He is preceded in death by 4 brothers, Bob, Bill, Dan, and Gayle, a sister in infancy, 1 nephew, Scott Kelly and 1 niece, Rosemary Jockisch. He graduated Industry High School in 1957 and entered into the Navy 1958 to 1963. He was stationed in Japan for most of his service. He ranked E4 3rd Class Petty Officer Naval Security and served 5 years. He lived most of his life in Wyoming where he raised his three sons. He worked as a custodian at various schools. In his earlier years he loved to garden, hunt, fish, and camp. When his family visited he would take them on a tour in Yellowstone Park. He was a very good guide and explained several interesting things about the mountains, animals and Yellowstone in general. But most of all he loved our Lord and Savior.He was interested in history especially family history. He has done some genealogy on his Grandfather and Grandmother Kelly families. The Kelly Family and some on the Duggar Family.He along with 3 other brothers were presented with a Quilt of Valor in 2020 given to him from his sister who pieced and quilted it.Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 January 31, 2025 at the Ballard Funeral Home in Cody, Wyoming. Burial will be in the Riverside  Cemetery, Cody, WY.Memories and condolences can be shared on Jim’s memorial page at www.BallardFH.com

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