James C. Kelly

  James “Jim” Charles Kelly, 68, passed away at home on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, surrounded by his loving family following a courageous battle with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and later leukemia.

  Kelly was born on Aug. 1, 1955, to Charles “Doc” and Deborah (Spaulding) Kelly in Streator. He married the love of his life, Mary Jane Novotney, at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church on June 6, 1981.

  Kelly served in the United States Air Force for four years, graduating with course honors as a power lineman from the US Air Force School of Applied Aerospace Sciences in 1976. Upon completion of service, Kelly embarked on a lifelong career at Constellation, formerly Commonwealth Edison.

  He is survived by Mary Jane, his wife of 42 years; two children, James “Jim” Kelly and his wife, Katie, and Jennifer Michelle “Jenny” (Cogdal) and her husband, Jim. He was blessed with three amazing grandchildren; Emma Jane Cogdal; Samuel James Kelly; and James August “Gus” Cogdal. Also surviving are one sister, Charline Gaydos; and one brother, Charles (Rebecca) Kelly, and several nieces and nephews. Kelly was preceded in death by his parents.

  He was both a talented mechanic and carpenter. In his retirement, he enjoyed bird and squirrel watching, and working on his yard, including tending to flowers and a rose garden. Kelly was also an avid sports fan and loved watching the Chicago Bears and Chicago Cubs. More than anything, he cherished spending time with his family and grandchildren.

  Visitation will be Thursday, Jan. 11, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Solon-Telford funeral home, and there will be a mass of Christian burial immediately thereafter at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church at 11:30 a.m. followed by burial in St. Stephen’s Cemetery.  Full military rites will be accorded by the members of the Leslie G. Woods American Legion Post 217 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1492.

  Memorials can be directed to St. Michael the Archangel Church; St. Vincent de Paul Society; Guardian Angel Outreach; MDS Research Foundation; or a charity of one’s own choosing

  Online condolences and remembrances may be shared with the family at www.solontelford.com.

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