James Kelly, CPA, CGA
April 17, 1947 to May 15, 2024
Obituary
It is with profound sadness that the family of James “Jim” Smith Kelly announces his passing on Wednesday, May 15th, 2024. Jim’s passing comes after a long-fought battle with Alzheimer’s, which can best be described as “the long goodbye”.
Jim is predeceased by his parents and parents-in-law. Leaving to mourn are his loving and devoted wife of more than 50 years, Shirley (nee Gray); his wonderful children Darleen (Jeff) and Grayson (Andréa) and his precious grandchildren Willa and Henry, whom Jim loved beyond measure; his three sisters, Catherine Reader, Janice Hamilton (Mike) and Patricia Pace (Charles); brother Raymond (Joanne [deceased]); uncle Thomas Smith (Gerry); and all of his nieces and nephews, family and friends.
Jim will be forever remembered for his kindhearted nature and wonderful sense of humour. He had a penchant for cracking jokes and loved being surrounded by family and friends at social gatherings. Jim was born and raised in Corner Brook and later moved to St John’s where he met the love of his life Shirley, and raised their two beautiful children. In his earlier life, Jim worked as a Financial Officer with the City of St. John’s and in his spare time he enjoyed camping in the motorhome with his family and working on a multitude of handyman projects. Jim loved animals and most especially his dogs and would give them silly nicknames and affectionately parade them around the house in his arms.
Jim was followed by a para palliative care team of doctors and nurses, who provided wonderful care to him and support to his family over the years. He also enjoyed several years as a participant in the St. Luke’s Adult Day Program, which is run by a fantastic and engaging group of dedicated and caring nursing home staff. Before his passing, Jim briefly took up residence at Pleasantview Towers, where he received the most amazing care and attention from a team of doctors, RNs, LPNs and PCAs on ward 2NW. Jim’s family will be forever grateful to the staff for providing a safe and comfortable environment for him to call home.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a local animal rescue organization or a charity of choice.
A private inurnment will take place at a later date.
My Deepest Sympathy to Shirley and Family, just learned of your Loss, May you take solace in knowing Jim will suffer no mmore and is now in peace.
We spoke many times over the years when he was well A fine gentelman and Neighbor !!
Shirley and family
We are very sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. We remember Jim well first as a good neighbour in Kilbride when we were first married and then at CHUC and many social events. Our condolences to you and your family.
Scott and Sharon Bennett
Shirley and family, please accept my condolences on your loss of Jim. It has been years since we worked together on various committees. His willingness to pitch in wherever he was needed, combined with his subtle but effective sense of humour lightened the load for everybody. I am saddened to learn of his long and painful death. Nobody should have to leave the world as many do. Take care.
Darleen and family, my sincere condolences on the passing of your Dad. May he rest in peace.
Barbara Kennedy
Darleen and Family,
So sorry for your loss, thinking of you all at this most difficult times.
Jim was a good friend. I will miss him. We got to know each other well during many years at Cowan Height’s United .This was especially true during the many events including Turkey teas, sub sales and men’s club meetings. My condolences to the family.
Grayson and family
I am so sorry to hear of your father’s passong. Please accept my sincere sympathy
Patsy Kelly
Find peace within each other in knowing that Jim is watching over and protecting you all. Our thoughts and prayers for you and your family. John and Terry Manovich and family
So sorry for your loss. He was a nice man and landlord. Thinking of you all at this hard time.
Grayson and Family,
So sorry to hear of your dear father’s passing. Thoughts and prayers are will you all
My condolences to Shirley and family. I remember Jim
From Cowan Heights Church.
God Bless
So Sorry For your Family’s loss. I had to pleasure to know Jim. He was a funny and sweet man always smiling also loved to dance.
Grayson & Family:
My condolences on the loss of your father. I know it’s hard to think of it this way, but he is at peace now.
Take Care.
Grayson and Family,
My most sincere condolences to you and your family in this very sad time. My thoughts and prayers are with your during this difficult time.
Grayson and Family,
Very sorry for your loss. I hope the good memories you have will be a support for you all.
“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; love leaves a memory no one can steal.”
Shirley and Family,
I got to know Jim through our Adult Day program here at St. Luke’s. A very kind and pleasant gentleman with a very loving family, who lit up when you brought in his grandchildren to pick him up. He will be missed. Please accept my sincere condolences. God Bless and take care!
I remember Jim fondly from our years at Cowan heights united. A quiet and gentle man always ready for a laugh. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Shirley and family. It has been many years since we worked together. I am sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time .
To Shirley and family,
So very sorry for your loss. I remember Jim fondly as a member of CHUC. He was a kind and caring individual with a wonderful sense of humour.. Deepest condolences to the family. Our thought and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Shirley,
Although it has been many, many years since we worked together and our paths haven’t crossed, I was saddened to read the news of Jim’s battle with Alzheimer’s and his passing. Paul and I send sincere condolences to you and your family at this very sad time.
Dear Shirley,
We are so sorry to learn of the passing of your beloved Jim. Our hearts go out to you and the family at this very difficult time. We send our sincere condolences.
Sincere condolences to Jim’s family. I knew Jim from working with the City. I found Jim to be a kind and gentle person who always had a smile and enjoyed telling jokes. and making people smile. RIP Jim.
Sincerest condolences to the family. Jim was a very likeable person who I was fortunate to meet through working at the City.
Condolences to Jim’s family. I worked with Jim at City Hall for many years and always noted his sense of humour and level headedness.
Thoughts and prayers are with the entire family.
Grayson and Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Take care.
To all of you love to you SHIRLEY AND FAMILY ♥️♥️🌹🌹♥️🌹
To the Kelly family, I am so sad to hear of Jim’s passing, I certainly enjoyed having him in the Day Program at Saint Luke’s, he had the kindest smile and gentle demeanour. He had such a devoted wife and family. You are so right about the long goodbye and you all shared it with such dignity as a family. He was blessed to have you all with him on this incredibly difficult journey, l hope you find comfort in knowing you all provided him with the best care and unwavering support which is a testament to the kind of man he was. Deepest condolences to you all during this difficult time.
Very sorry for your loss, Grayson. My thoughts are with you and your family. Condolences to all the family.
Dear Aunt Shirley, Grayson and Darleen.
Just wanted to write here to say I am sorry to hear of Uncle Jim’s passing and my thoughts are with you through this difficult time. I will always remember uncle Jim with a smile on his face, making jokes and making everyone laugh. He always filled up the room with joy and was a pleasure to be around. I remember being so impressed with his musical talents especially the piano, he was a great man and I was lucky to call him my uncle. Love you all ❤️
Grayson and family, my sincere condolences on the passing of your father. Wishing you all strength and peace as you navigate this journey. I hope you are able to find some solace in your dad’s sense of humour and in time may cherished memories bring you comfort. My thoughts are with you all.
Shirley, Darleen Grayson, and all the family. So sorry for your loss. Jim was a very kind and gentle person. May your many happy memories sustain you through this difficult time.
Condolences to Jim’s family and friends. He was a smiling presence at City Hall and once proudly showed me their little piece of heaven in Brigus. Jim will be missed.
Dear Shirley, Darlene and Grayson,
So sorry for you loss. Uncle Tom and Aunt Gerry as well as my self send you the biggest of hugs and love to help get you through this very sad time.
With Love
Uncle Tom & Aunt Gerry
Keely and family
Paul and Terry (Gayle)
To Shirley and family. So saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. Condolences to you and the family.
RIP Jim and I hope you will play the piano in heaven. I will always remember the good times at City Hall. Marilyn and Des Burridge from Langley BC.
My condolences to your family. I worked with Jim for many years. He was such a kind and gentle man. Always loved our chats. He always had a friendly smile and kind word for everyone. Rest in peace Jim.