Robert James “Jim” Kelly Jr., 82, of Mount Vernon, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 4, 2026, with his family by his side.
He was born on June 12, 1944, in Mount Vernon to the late Robert J. Kelly Sr. and Goldie (Hulse) Kelly.
Jim was a lifelong and faithful member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, where he served as a eucharistic minister and a dedicated overnight volunteer at the Winter Sanctuary. He was also a past member of Mount Vernon Rotary Club and the Mount Vernon Country Club.
He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Rose (Costello) Kelly; his children, Beth (Steve) Loffredo, Erin (Jim) Mullaghy, Rob Kelly, Tom (Dana) Kelly, Meg Kelly; siblings, Beverly Kelly Rockey and Michael Kelly; grandchildren, Will, Owen and Juliet Loffredo, Rosemary and Seamus Mullaghy, Cassidy, Sloane and Finn Kelly, Madison and Harrison Kelly, Sam and Casey Harden.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Patricia Depue and Mary Kay Shrimplin.
He graduated from St. Vincent de Paul High School in 1962 and received his Bachelor of Arts from St. Joseph’s College in Rensselaer, IN where he attended on a football scholarship. Jim completed his Master’s in Business Administration at Ball State in Muncie, IN in 1968. After graduation Jim was hired by General Motors in their management training program.
In 1969, he and Rose moved to Akron, OH where he spent 4 years employed by Firestone before returning to his hometown to work for United Telephone. He had a long successful career traveling the region establishing friendships along the way.
As a young boy, he enjoyed fishing the Kokosing river and riding his bike in the Westend with his buddies. In school, Jim played sports of all kinds. His senior year he was named Knox County Athlete of the year.
Jim’s farm in Millwood was his dream come true and passion. He founded Irish Springs Christmas Tree Farm where he grew and harvested trees alongside his friend and neighbor, John Shannon. In his retirement, he loved nothing more than tending to his 80 acres on his Kubota.
Jim loved making a life in his hometown of Mount Vernon and treasured the many friendships he made along the way. He was a loving and generous beyond measure to Rose and his children and grandchildren.
Visitation will be held on Friday, September 11, 2026, from 4:00 – 7:00PM at Snyder Funeral Home – Lasater Chapel, 11337 Upper Gilchrist Rd. in Mount Vernon. A Memorial Mass will be Celebrated on Saturday, September 12, 2026 – 11:00AM at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church.
A special thanks with much appreciation and gratitude to The Parkinson’s Support Group at KCH, The Ohio Eastern Star staff and Capital City Hospice nurses who lovingly cared for Jim in his final days.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School and the Winter Sanctuary Emergency Homeless Shelter.
To express condolences to the Kelly family, please visit www.snyderfuneralhomes.com
Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Home – Lasater Chapel
Website: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com