James Joseph Kelly, age 82, of Selbyville, DE peacefully passed away on March 7, 2025.  He was the son of Avila and Vincent of Brooklyn, NY.

Jim attended Queens College of the City of New York and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business. While raising a family and working full time in Manhattan, he earned his Masters of Business Administration degree from Adelphi University during his daily commute on the Long Island Rail Road.

He started his career at Western Electric in Queens, NY and went on to have a distinguished 36-year career working at AT&T in New Jersey.

Jim believed strongly in giving back to his community and was a volunteer firefighter, member of the local rescue squad and active member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society at St. Joseph's Catholic Church.

He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Barbara, his daughters Patricia, Susan and his son Brian: his brothers Vincent and John; his sisters Elizabeth, Mary and Martha. He also leaves behind 7 grandchildren (Taryn, Sean, Alex, Peter, Julie, Jeremy and Meridith), 1 great granddaughter (Zoey), and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brothers William and Arthur.

Jim was a cornerstone of his family, always providing guidance, support and lots of laughter. He was deeply cherished by all who knew him.  Nothing made him happier than spending time with his extensive family and friends at his home in Basking Ridge, NJ where there was music, laughter, food, drinks and plenty of fireworks to celebrate his birthday which was on the Fourth of July.

Visitation will take place at 10 am followed by a prayer service at 11 am on Thursday, March 13, 2025 at the Ocean View Chapel of Melson Funeral Services at 38040 Muddy Neck Road in Ocean View, DE 19970. Burial will take place following the ceremony at Gates of Heaven Cemetery in Dagsboro, DE.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggest memorial contributions in Jim's name to Humane Tomorrow in Flower Mound, TX. h ttps://humanetomorrow.org