James Lee Roy Kelly

James Lee Roy Kelly, 84, of Carthage, IL, passed away on Tuesday, December 30,
2025, at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, IL.
Jim was born on June 21, 1941, in Rushville, IL. He was the son of Gene and Lilly
(McClary) Kelly. On October 4, 1958, Jim was united in marriage to Jewel “Dean”
Massey in Keokuk, IA. Jim started working at a very young age. He spent most of his
career working in plumbing and heating. He also worked various jobs for Memorial
Hospital including groundskeeping.
Jim and his wife attended the Assembly of God church. He enjoyed hunting and
especially fishing with his friends and his boys. Jim could always be found tinkering in
his garage in his free time. He liked to watch old westerns, but his favorite show was
Friends.
Jim loved his wife dearly. She was his life. He was a family man at heart and enjoyed
his time with his kids and grandkids.
Jim is survived by his sons, Rick (Deana) Kelly, Tony Kelly, and Allen Kelly, all of
Carthage, IL, his eight grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren, his siblings, Colin
Kelly of Keokuk, IA, and Linda (Bob) Arnold of Medill, MO.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Jewel “Dean” Kelly, his siblings, Reva
Brown, Jeffories Kelly, Ted “David” Kelly, and his grandson, Joey Kelly.
Graveside services will be held at 11am on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at Moss
Ridge Cemetery in Carthage, IL. Family will be meeting friends from 10 – 11am.
Memorials may be made out to suicide awareness or the local food pantry. Printy
Funeral Home is handling arrangements.