James "Jim" W. Kelly

James "Jim" or “Jimmy” W. Kelly, of Port Washington, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at the age of 84 on August 10, 2026. Born on May 10, 1942, in Joliet, Illinois, Jim was the cherished son of the late James and stepmother Helen. Throughout his life, he demonstrated a remarkable spirit characterized by love for family, community service, and an unwavering faith.

Jim's early years were marked by notable achievements, including his dedication to athletics at Joliet Catholic High School, where he excelled as a track star, achieving the remarkable time of 49.5 seconds in the 440-yard dash. His talents extended beyond sports, as he also served as a teen radio talk show host, bringing news of academics and sports to his school community. Graduating in the top 20% of his class in 1961, Jim went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in business and marketing from Northern Illinois University. There, he was honored as a track star and the football Homecoming King, further showcasing his vibrant personality and leadership within the student body. He was known for his love of traveling with his family, where moments of joy were shared. A proud 100% Irishman, James had a deep appreciation for Irish music and culture, which he cherished throughout his life. 

Professionally, Jim carved out a successful career at Iron Fireman and as a National Sales Manager for Thermal Engineering Company in Butler, Wisconsin. He also devoted his time to a small family business and volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, where he found great fulfillment in building and restoring homes for those in need. His commitment to community service further extended to his role as Grand Knight of the local chapter of the Knights of Columbus, where he contributed to the community through monthly newsletters and various outreach efforts. An active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Grafton, Jim served on the school board in the mid-2000s, nurturing the educational environment for future generations. 

Jim was a proud family man who cherished the time spent with his loved ones. He is survived by his wife, Kerry (nee Fitzgerald), whom he married on October 16, 1999, and his beloved children, Kristen (Kyle) Lauder and Ryan (Lisa) Kelly. Jim also leaves behind seven adoring grandchildren: Isabella, Kaden, Zoe, Amelia, Violet, Zinnia, and Arlo, along with his brother, Dan, and an extended family of nieces, nephews, friends, and relatives.

 He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Donna (nee Rodefer), his mother Beverly, his brother Mike, and his stepson Michael. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday, August 28, 2026, at 3:00 PM at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Grafton. The family will welcome friends and relatives for visitation from 2:00 PM until 2:45 PM prior to the service. Following the Mass, a committal service will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery in Grafton. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorials be made to a charity of the donor's choice.