JAMES “JIM” WILLIAM KELLY SR.

James “Jim” William Kelly Sr. 80 of rural Harrison passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, November 15, 2019 surrounded by family. James was born March 8, 1939 in Lansing, Michigan the son of Marshall Patsy Kelly and Esther Lydia (Jewell) Kelly. Jim enlisted in the United States Navy and honorably served his country. On November 4, 1961 in Lansing, Jim was united in marriage to Ms. Josephine “Josie” Velasquez.

                Mr. and Mrs. Kelly had resided in Harrison since 1979, moving from Okemos, Michigan. Jim was a lifetime member of the D.A.V. and an honorary lifetime member of the American Legion Post 404 S.A.L. For 39+ years, Jim was a member of the American Legion Post 404 Honor Guard. Mr. Kelly spent over thirty-years as an over-the-road and local delivery truck driver. Jim was an avid hunter, fisherman and outdoorsman. For over six years, Jim was honored to carry the WWII Native American Eagle Staff, which was passed onto him by WWII veteran Rod Raymond. For many years, Jim and Josie participated in many Native American Pow Wow’s throughout Michigan.

                Surviving Jim is his loving wife of fifty-eight years, Mrs. Josie Kelly of Harrison, one daughter, Jennifer Kelly and Ron Haeck of Lansing, three sons; James William Kelly Jr. and Michelle of Sidney, Montana, Patrick Kelly Sr. of Hollywood, California and Jerame Kelly and Lisa Bartus of Harrison, fourteen grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren, many sisters and brothers in-law, numerous nieces, nephews and his beloved cat, Buddy. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters; Alice Hurley and Edith Zalewski and one brother, Carlton Weyandt.

                Funeral services honoring Mr. Kelly will be held Thursday, November 21, 2019 at 12:00 p.m. at Stocking Funeral Home, Harrison with Mr. Rudy Reyes officiating. Visitation will take place on Wednesday, November 20, 2019 from 5:00-9:00 p.m. at Stocking Funeral Home, Harrison. Burial will be in Summerfield Township Cemetery, Harrison with Military Honors presented under the auspices of: United States Department of Navy, Clare Farwell American Legion Post 558 and Harrison American Legion Post 404 Honor Guards. Memorial gifts in memory of Mr. Kelly may be considered to the Kelly Family, in care of: Josie Kelly. To share an online memory or condolence with Jim’s family, please visit: www.stockingfuneralhome.com. Arrangements for Mr. Kelly are entrusted with Stocking Funeral Home, Harrison (989) 539-7810.