James Robert Kelly was born in Milford, CT, on June 5, 1923, and left this world on October 16, 2016. He lost his mother at 9 months old and was raised by his father and extended family. Tall and handsome young Jim excelled at sports, earning state titles in track and was accepted to Notre Dame on a Naval ROTC scholarship. Immediately after graduation, Jim was commissioned as a naval officer stationed on a rescue and recovery ship out of Portsmouth, England. He eventually was promoted to the rank of lieutenant commander. After the war, Jim took advantage of the GI Bill and attended Sorbonne University in Paris, France. On a trip to Switzerland he met and fell in love with a beautiful young woman named Mary Jane McGlinchey. They began a family and raised six children who gave them 10 grandchildren.
Jim worked for the Delaware River Port Authority for 29 years serving as president for seven years. During his tenure he traveled to numerous countries across six continents. Jim and Mary Jane settled down in Longport, NJ, and purchased the Kelly Winchester House. This was both home and their small summer business operated by Mary Jane and their children. Jim and Mary Jane turned their passion for running into an annual race on the Fourth of July. The Kelly Mile started in 1972 in Longport, NJ, and now lives on as the American Mile.
In 1995, they retired to Warren, VT, spending many years skiing, playing tennis, and speaking and singing French, their second language. Their last few days were spent quietly surrounded by family and friends who loved and adored them. Being the consummate gentleman, Jim navigated the way to the next journey; his wife followed a mere 12 hours later. His legacy will remain through all that were lucky enough to know him.
Services will be announced at a later date. Assisting the family is Perkins-Parker Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Waterbury. To send online condolences visit www.perkinsparker.com.
