James Peter

Kelly

James Kelly, a devoted family man, sports enthusiast, and proud Irish-
American, passed away on November 2, 2024, just one day before he and his
beloved wife Kathy would have celebrated 62 years of marriage. Born in
Brooklyn, New York, near Ebbets Field, Jim grew up a die-hard Dodgers fan,
inspired by his favorite player, Peewee Reese. His love for sports extended to
basketball, baseball, football, and especially golf—a passion he carried with
him throughout his life.
Together with Kathy, Jim raised his family in Nanuet, New York, and then built
his "dream home" in East Hampton in 1985. For many years they also split
their time between East Hampton and Tarpon Springs, Florida where they
enjoyed life to the fullest; dancing with friends and traveling the high seas on
many a cruise.
After a successful career at General Foods, Jim retired as the Director of
Corporate Accounting for the international division. Known for his unwavering
commitment to his team, he took great pride in recruiting young talent and
instilled in his employees the same values he lived by: hard work, dedication,
and integrity. Jim set high expectations for his team, yet no one worked
harder than he did. His colleagues and friends admired his leadership, and
many remember him as a mentor who genuinely cared for their success.
Jim's family was his greatest joy. He was a loving father, husband, and
grandfather who taught those around him the importance of family, loyalty,
and resilience. Known a >xing anything—no matter how unconventional his methods were, he got the
job done with a generous heart and steady hands.
Jim was deeply dedicated to his faith and was an active member of Most Holy
Trinity Church, where he served as an Acolyte and a Eucharistic Minister. His
commitment to his church and community was a re?ection of his generous
spirit and his desire to help those around him.
His Irish heritage was a source of deep pride, and he embodied the strength,
humor, and warmth of his ancestors, serving as an active member of East
Hampton's Irish American Club. He leaves behind a legacy of love, loyalty,
and laughter, values that will continue through his children, grandchildren,
and all who had the honor of knowing him.
Jim will be greatly missed by his wife, Kathy, and his family including his
daughter, Kara Kelly (Terry McClenahan) of Bu (Kelly) Kelly of Raleigh, North Carolina, his daughter-in-law, Marilyn Kelly of
Pleasantville, New York, 5 grandchildren, Katie and Rory McClenahan, and
Paige, Gracie and Caroline Kelly, and his sister, Betty Lonegan of Monroe
Township, New Jersey, who will carry forward the values he instilled in them.
He is predeceased by his son, Jim Kelly and his sister, Maureen Smithem. His
memory will live on in the lives he touched, both personally and
professionally.
Memorial donations may be made to the Lymphoma Research Foundation or
East End Hospice