James Kelly Memoriam

James A Kelly, Jr, originally from Cherry Valley, MA, passed away in Pueblo, CO on August 9 of complications following a hip fracture. Jim was born in Worcester, MA on May 11, 1926, the son of James and Florence Kelly. Following Jim's tour of duty in the Navy during the Second World War, Jim attended Clark University where he met and married Elisabeth Kelly. He earned his CPA and had an accounting practice in Leicester, MA. Jim also served more than 20 years in the public arena in the Massachusetts House of Representatives and State Senate, the last 8 years as Chairman of the Senate Ways & Means Committee. He played a central role in the establishment of UMASS Medical Center, and the selection of Worcester for its location. After living many years in Florida, Jim moved to Colorado Springs, CO. Jim enjoyed his last years which he spent at Summit Glen Senior housing in Colorado Springs. Jim and Elisabeth had eight children: Msgr. James, a priest of the Prelature of Opus Dei, living in Menlo Park, CA; Mary (who died when less than a year old); Thomas, married to Catherine (Rizzi) and with two children, Maria and Thomas, of San Diego, CA; Michael of Worcester, MA; Robert, married to Lucy Sharp and with daughter Diane of Woodland Park, CO; Paul married to Patricia and with two daughters Rachel and Katie, of Paxton, MA; Jean and her husband Barry Fenning, of N. Brookfield, MA; and Maureen and her husband Alan Walker, of Rye, CO. Jim is survived by his first wife Elisabeth of Grafton, MA and their children, and by the five grandchildren. Jim will be buried in Leicester, MA, near his parents and his daughter Mary. Jim's family is very grateful to the Steel City staff at the Pueblo Care and Rehab Center for the outstanding abilities and kindness they showed Jim in his final months.