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.