James J. Kelly, Jr.

July 23, 1926 - February 6, 2010

07/23/1926 - 02/06/2010

James Joseph Kelly Jr., 83, of Hendersonville, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, February 6, 2010, after a lengthy battle with Parkinsonís Disease.

James was born on July 23, 1926, in Lansford, Pennsylvania, to James and Rose Kelly. A stellar student, he graduated from high school and immediately enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. Defending our country as a machine gunner, he fought in the Battle of Okinawa, receiving the Purple Heart. After the war ended, James returned to Pennsylvania and went to Kings College in Wilkesbarre, PA, on the G.I. Bill. Graduating with high honors, he later completed a Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology at the College of William and Mary.

He married Mary Lou McCormick in 1955 and began a 21 year career as a school Psychologist. By the time of his retirement, he had risen to the role of Chief Psychologist for an area of Western New York, while residing in Orchard Park, New York.

After retirement in 1979, he moved to Hendersonville, North Carolina where he resided until his death. He is survived by his loving wife Mary Lou, with whom he shared 54 years of marriage. They are proud parents of six children, including John and wife Janet of Boerne, TX, Brian and wife Susan of Hampton, VA, Shawn and husband Fe of Columbus, OH, Ellen of Nashville, TN, Peggy of Hendersonville, NC, and Michael and wife Cammie of Dallas, NC. James and Mary Lou count 21 grandchildren and one great granddaughter.

He will be remembered as the proud and loving patriarch of his large family, as a battle tested Marine Corps Veteran from the Greatest Generation, as a faithful Catholic and as someone who combined a strong will with humble sacrifice.

In view of his long and faithful attendance at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, a Memorial Mass will be conducted on Tuesday February 9th, 2010, at 10:00 A.M. in Our Lady of the Angels Chapel at the church. Burial will follow the service at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. Military honors will be conducted by Hubert M. Smith American Legion Post 77, Hedrick-Rhodes Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5206 and Disabled American Veterans Chapter 14. A visitation will be held in the Chapel at Forest Lawn Mortuary on Monday February 8th, 2010, from 6-8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to a charity of choice.

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Darren & Darlene Williams
8 years ago

Isaiah 40:31

Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

God’s Blessing on you and your family. You are all in our prayers.

Candy & Bill
8 years ago

We are very proud Uncle Jimmy and His life of service, dedication and patriotism.You are in our thoughts and prayers. May God keep you in His loving arms.

Susan Light
8 years ago

The staff and students of Fabra Elementary in Boerne, Texas are thinking of you and your family at this time of transition. As difficult as the moment may seem, find peace in the fact that you will see Mr. Kelly again in future and it will be a grand reunion in the presence of our Heavenly Father. It will be a magical day and Mr. Kelly will have many stories to share!

You are all in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless You All.

Fabra Elementary

Gale Cole
8 years ago

My prayers are with you and your family. Your dear father is now with our Lord in a place filled with everlasting peace,love and joy. May you find comfort knowing that he is wrapped in the arms of our loving God.

Mike, Kate, Katie Ann & Noah Brown
8 years ago

Dear Mike & family:

Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

Love,

Mike, Kate, Katie Ann & Noah

Uncle Ed & Aunt Faye

Carol Dawson
8 years ago

My prayers and thoughts are

with you and the family.

God will be with you during this time of loss.

Carol