James Leo Kelly, Sr.

James (Jim) Leo Kelly, Sr. - January 2, 1936 - April 14, 2024

"When a great man dies, for years the light he leaves behind him lies on the paths of men." - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

James Leo Kelly, Sr. of Moncks Corner, SC died peacefully in his home after a long battle with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease on April 14, 2024. 

He was born in Rochester, NY in 1936 to the late William Kelly and the late Theresa Clark Kelly.  Jim, as he was called, had many adventures including running away as a child to Coney Island.  Searching for clarity and guidance, he joined the United States Air Force when he came of age.

During his early days in the USAF Jim was stationed at the base in Newfoundland, Canada.  It was here that a local girl, the late Theresa Margaret MacIsaac, caught his eye.  The two were married and were blessed with five children, James Jr. (Jimmy), Romona, William (Billy), Lesa, and Ernie. They spent years traveling due to the military before finally settling in Moncks Corner, SC. 

Jim's life became fuller and fuller as his family grew.  His children started families of their own as did their children.  Jim became "Grandpa" to over 13 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and even several great-great-grandchildren.

Jim served for over twenty years in the USAF, including tours in Vietnam, where he obtained the rank of Staff Sergeant.  He then continued in the Civil Service for many years.  In his free time Jim would read his paper, visit the VFW, keep in touch with friends, drive his RV, work in his yard, or take long walks at Santee Canal Park.  He was also a constant mechanic tinkering on engines and cars.

Jim will be remembered for his generosity and the way that he took care of his family. We'll always imagine hearing him say "onward and upward" one more time. His wit and sarcastic humor were appreciated by all who knew him as he loved to make people laugh.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his ex-wife, Theresa Margaret MacIsaac Kelly; his son, James (Jimmy) L Kelly, Jr.; his sister, Katherine (Kathy) McIntosh; and his great-great-granddaughter, Mariahna Shiann Cash. 

He is survived by his daughter-in-law, Julie Kelly; his daughter and son-in-law, Romona and Mike Fisher; his son and daughter-in-law, Billy and Cathy Kelly; his daughter and son-in-law, Lesa and Stephen Thomas; his son, Ernie Kelly; his grandchildren, Daniel (Dan) Edic, Robert (Bobby) Teachout, Michelle Decena, Jimmy (Bubba) Kelly, Natasha (Tasha) Hutto, Amy George, William (Will) Kelly, Mitchell (Mitch) Kelly, Sarah Ives, Christopher (Chris) Thomas, Samuel Kelly, Jessica Gottshall, and Joseph Kelly; his great-grandchildren; and great-great-grandchildren.

The visitation will be held on Sunday, April 21, 2024 at 11:30AM at McAlister-Smith Funeral & Cremation, 869 St. James Ave., Goose Creek, SC 29445.  The funeral service will be held on Sunday, April 21, 2024 at 12:00PM at McAlister-Smith Funeral & Cremation.  The final resting place will be at Plantation Memorial Gardens in Moncks Corner, SC.

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at mcalister-smith.com.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral & Cremation, 869 St. James Ave., Goose Creek, SC 29445, 843-553-1511.