IRVINGTON—James Morton “Jim” Kelly, 78, of Irvington passed away on July 24, 2025.
Jim was born on December 10, 1946, at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland, the son of Frances Kelly and Rear Admiral James Kelly.
Jim graduated from Bullis Preparatory in 1965, then went on to study at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., for three-and-a-half years. He completed a degree in mathematics at Ouachita Baptist University.
He spent a career in the United States Department of Agriculture in the Food and Nutrition Service where he developed and maintained computer programs and received awards of recognition.
Jim was continually kind and thoughtful, reaching out to other people to help them when he saw or sensed a need. He was not satisfied until he helped. Jim had a fun, bright spirit and an excellent sense of humor.
Recently, when asked about his hobbies he replied, “Music, music and music!” He had found an abandoned harmonica in a desk at work and played ever since. Jim also had a wonderful singing voice. Soon after moving from Hills Quarter to Rappahannock Westminster-Canterbury (RWC), he put together a musical show, gathering up willing and talented residents and staff.
Jim also enjoyed woodworking and was handy with many a tool. He was skilled at poker and most recently enjoyed playing weekly with a group of seasoned gentlemen at RWC.
Jim will be greatly missed by those who deeply loved and cared for him including his wife of 51 years, Frances “Fran” Lyle Kelly; daughter, Julia Kelly; son-in-law, Patrick Benner; grandson, Holden Kelly Pearson; sisters, Ruth Tweedy and Ann Kelly; brother, Miles Kelly; nieces, Kelly Morin and Chrissie McCotter; and nephew, Cochran Lyle.
Jim is now reunited in heaven with his older sister, Judi Davis; and beloved dog, Princess.
