Kelly, James Patrick

James Patrick Kelly, 81, of Oelwein, passed away Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012, at Mercy Living Plus in Oelwein due to cardiopulmonary complications. Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Friday at Geilenfeld Funeral Home, with a vigil service at 6:30 p.m. Funeral Services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Oelwein. He will be laid to rest in Woodlawn Cemetery. Arrangements are with Geilenfeld Funeral Home in Oelwein.

Jim was born July 30, 1931, in Oelwein, to parents, James D. and Velma (Bantz) Kelly. He graduated from Sacred Heart in 1949. On Oct. 1, 1955, he was united in marriage to Marian Soper at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Oelwein.

Jim served his country honorably in the United States Navy on the U.S.S. New Jersey during the Korean War. He was a carrier for the United States Postal Service, delivering mail on the west side of Oelwein for many years.

Jim loved hunting, gunsmithing, carving and his dogs. He was a longtime member of Pheasants Forever. Reading was Jim's favorite pastime and he was a frequent patron of the Oelwein Public Library.

Left to celebrate Jim's life are his wife, Marian; his son, Jim (Patti) Kelly of Center Point; his daughter, Jean (Mark) Gordish of Hudson; his grandchildren, Kelly (Evans) Komen of Waterloo and Katy (Tom) Mason of Ames; his great-grandchildren, Shannon Komen and Ivy Mason; as well as many friends.

In death, Jim has rejoined his parents and his sister, Bernadette Weisman.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.

Published Dec. 29, 2012 in The Gazette