Jim enjoyed a 34-year career as a financial advisor, with many clients becoming life-long friends. He was associated with Triad Financial Group, sharing his working days with his long-time friend and business partner, John Fischer.
Jim was an active member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Belleville, IL, and a volunteer for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. He was also a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, chairing the annual Hibernian Hunger Campaign.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James W. Kelley, Jr. and Catherine, nee Burling, Kelley.
He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Mary E., nee Hickey, Kelley, whom he married on January 18, 1992;
a son, Captain John F. “Jack” Kelley, USAF;
three sisters, Mary K. (David Walvoord) Lemons of Peoria, IL, Sara (Robert) Jacobsen of Peoria, IL, and Dr. Kathleen (Dr. Raphael Lee) Kelley of Chicago, IL;
Aunt Ruth Burling, many nieces and nephews, and all his Burling cousins;
six brothers-in-law, Joe (Ginny) Hickey, Mike Hickey, Pat Hickey, Dan Hickey, Jim (Kelly) Hickey, and Chuck (Charleen) Hickey;
and a sister-in-law, Susan Hickey.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul at Blessed Sacrament Church, East Side Heart and Home Family Center, 705 Summit Avenue, East St. Louis, IL, 62201, or the Lindell Club, 4522 Lindell, St. Louis, MO 63108, www.lindellclub.org. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit from 10 a.m. to 12 noon Wednesday, February 9, 2022, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Belleville, IL. Masks are required.
Funeral: A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12 noon Wednesday, February 9, 2022, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Belleville, IL, with Fr. Matthew Elie and Fr. Clyde Grogan concelebrating. Masks are required.
Burial will be at Mount Carmel Catholic Cemetery, Belleville, IL.