James A Kelly

James Aloysius Kelly, 87, of Charlotte passed away at his home on November 20, 2015. Son of the late James and Katherine Kelly, Jim was born and raised in Mount Kisco, NY, and spent most of his adult life in Yorktown Heights, NY. He relocated to Charlotte in 2012. He worked for the New York Railroad for 45 years, retiring from CONRAIL in 1990. Jim graduated from St. Mary's High School, in Katonah NY, where he met Marjorie "Marge" Patterson, his wife of 66 years, who survives him.

Other survivors include his children James Kelly (Ann), Patti Kelly, and Chris Kelly (Becky); Grandchildren and Great-grandchildren Richard Kelly, Jeff Forte, Daniel Kelly, Thomas Kelly, Matthew Kelly, Carolyn Kelly, Ava Kelly, Jordyn Kelly, Jack Dawson, and Benjamin Dawson; siblings Katherine Collins, Helen Beuka, William Kelly, and Frances Kelly. Brothers Robert Kelly and John (Jackie) Kelly predeceased him.

He was also the very loving foster parent to Theresa Rose Murphy and Dougie Gailhardt. Family was the thing he valued most in this world, and he stressed that repeatedly in his final days. Likewise, his family adored him. His siblings and their families called him "Buddy", and his children and grandchildren came to call him "Pop". He loved to fish, play cards, and do any kind of puzzle. He excelled at color slide photography, and was an award-winning member of the Westchester Colored Slide Club. Very active in the Catholic Church, he especially loved his work over the years with the teenagers. To say he was a positive and optimistic person is an understatement. Jim never complained, regardless of the situation. He even fought 5 different types of cancer with a smile on his face. He had a terrific sense of humor, which got him through a lot of hard times. He retained that and his quick wit to the very end.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Hospice and the staff at The Laurels for the tender loving care they provided Jim throughout his decline.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, November 28, 2015 at 2:00 PM at South Mecklenburg Presbyterian Church. The family will receive friends following the service.

Those wishing to make donations in his memory are asked to do so to Hospice & Palliative Care of the Charlotte Region at 1420 East 7th Street, Charlotte, NC 28204, or the American Cancer Society - Relay for Life (Kelly's Angels) at 1901 Brunswick Ave, Suite 100, Charlotte NC 28207.

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