Col. James P. Kelly USMC (Ret.) passed away peacefully at his home the morning of September 16th on his 71st wedding anniversary to his beloved wife, Louise.  He also leaves behind five children: Patricia (David), Mary (Robert), James, Ryan (Tricia) and Kerry (Marshall) and is predeceased by Michael (2006) and Kathleen (2013).  Col. Kelly is also survived by 15 grandchildren and 12 great-children.  His passing comes as a great loss to his family who adored and respected him beyond measure.

Colonel Kelly loved the Marine Corps and proudly served for 31 years before his retirement in 1974.  His tours of duty included China, Korea and Viet Nam (twice), as well as multiple assignments at Quantico, VA and Camp Lejeune, NC.  His military honors included the Bronze Star Medal, Vietnamese Gallantry Cross, Legion of Merit, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Expeditionary Medal and Joint Service Commendation Medal.   Additionally, he received the Victory Medal (WWII) and Service Medals for China, Korea and the United Nations.

Services for family and friends in California were held on Saturday, September 26th at Eternal Hills Mortuary in Oceanside, California.  Locally, funeral mass will be said at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 13th at Immaculate Conception Church in Watersmeet, Father George Maki officiating.  Mass will be followed by graveside services at Watersmeet Township Cemetery at which time Colonel Kelly will be laid to rest with full military honors alongside his parents (William Donald Kelly and Emily McRae Kelly) and brothers (Lynus Kelly and Donald Kelly). The Cane Funeral Home – Bruce Crossing Chapel is assisting the family.

Friends may view Colonel Kelly's obituary and leave messages of remembrance at canefuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, his family suggests donations be made in Col. Kelly's name to Wounded Warrior Foundation Freedom Station, http://www.warriorfoundation.org/; National Museum of the Marine Corps, http://www.usmcmuseum.com/; or Hospice of the North Coast, http://www.hospicenorthcoast.org/.