With loving regard, the family of James Bernard Kelly announces his passing from this world on December 18, 2024, at the age of 85.

Jim was born in Chicago on October 27, 1939, to James Joseph Kelly and Doris Kelly (née Howarth).  His childhood in Chicago and St. Louis instilled a lifelong passion for cars, which became his vocation and his avocation.  He loved tinkering with cars.  He was an avid gearhead and hot rod enthusiast, having built and raced cars, and having owned and operated several aftermarket automobile businesses over the years.

"Kelly," as he was known to many, resided in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida.  He was a devout Catholic, active in the Saint Rita Catholic parish and at various times in the Knights of Columbus and the St. Vincent DePaul Society.  He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.  Jim's legacy of fortitude and fond wit lives on in the memory of his family and friends.

James was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Mary Frances Kelly (née Brice); by his parents; and by his brother Thomas Kelly and his sister Margaret Mastandrea.

He is survived by his sons and daughters-in-law, Tim and Stephanie Kelly (née Cioffi); Mike Kelly; and Brian and Karen Kelly (née Kramer); by eleven grandchildren; by ten great grandchildren; and by his dear friend Mary Rita Wish.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, January 6, 2025, at Resurrection Catholic Church, 259 Miramar Beach Drive, Miramar Beach, Florida 32550; with Father Tom Guido presiding.

A Memorial will be held at a later date at All Saints Cemetery in Des Plaines, Illinois.

The family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider a donation to the St. Rita Conference of the Society of St. Vincent DePaul.