Jimmy Robert Kelly

Jimmy Robert Kelly passed from this life into eternity early in the morning on June 16, 2022, with his loving wife Lynda by his side. Jimmy was born on May 1, 1956, in Bluefield, West Virginia, to the late Paul Edwin Kelly and Thelma Louise Asbury Kelly. He was also predeceased by his brother, Edwin R. Kelly, and his sister, Sandra L. Kelly.

Jimmy lit up the room with his infectious smile. He graduated from Graham High School in 1974, where he was a member of the football, basketball, and baseball teams. He continued his education at Bluefield College, continuing to excel in athletics. As a business category manager, he retired from General Mills after 32 years of loyal service. Jimmy loved his mountains, but he found his happiness and peace in Florida on the St. John’s River. He delighted in taking family and friends fishing and boating. Passionate about his hobbies, he just could not sit still and do nothing after he retired. Jimmy continued to work part-time one or two days a week at On Target Sports, and most recently, at the Slammer and the Squire Golf Course at the World Golf Village.

Jimmy was proud of his commission by Governor Martha Layne Collins of Kentucky as the Honorable Jimmy Robert Kelly, Kentucky Colonel, on December 16, 1985. This commission is the highest form of recognition bestowed upon an individual for their noteworthy accomplishments and service to their community, state, or nation.

Jimmy is survived by his sweetheart and wife, Lynda Wright Kelly of the home; his sons, Ryan Edward Kelly of Jacksonville, Florida; Zachary Walter Kelly (Tara) of Port Saint Lucie, Florida; Brad McClanahan (Rachel) of St. Johns, Florida; and Derek McClanahan (Heather) of St. Johns, Florida. His world was made brighter in 2019 with the birth of his only grandchild, Rylee Rae Kelly. Also surviving are his mother-in-law, Nora Wright, of Bluefield, Virginia, and his brother and sisters by marriage, Gail Webb (Mark), Teresa Russell (Joe), and Billy Wright (Mona), all of Bluefield. Jimmy’s fur babies, Jaxson and Sadie, were his constant companions. Jimmy considered Mark Labar, his wife, Diana, and their children, Nick and Sophie as family.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 20, 2022, at Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Chapel and Cemetery, 4801 San Jose Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32207, with visitation starting at 1:00 PM and funeral at 2:00 PM. Graveside services will follow immediately. A reception honoring Jimmy’s life will be held at the home in St. Johns, Florida after the service for family and friends. The family requests that those attending the services wear bright colors and to dress casually to honor Jimmy’s sunny smile. In lieu of flowers, friends may donate to the Jacksonville Humane Society at https://jaxhumane.networkforgood.com/projects/65156-main-donation-page in memory of Jimmy Robert Kelly.