John Paul Kelly

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of John Paul Kelly of Dallas on June 4, 2024, at the age of 74. The last of nine children, John was born on September 24th, 1949, in Urbana, Illinois, to Thomas Joseph and Mary Laurine Kelly.

John was a dedicated husband and father, who loved his family, God and his faith, his Alma Mater—The University of Illinois, Pickleball, 50s and 60s music, and watching reruns of old TV shows like Perry Mason, Law & Order, and Seinfeld. He was most proud of being an Eagle Scout, a member of The University of Illinois Cross-Country Team, and an Attorney. A passionate Deacon in the Roman Catholic Church, John enjoyed serving the People of God since he was ordained in 1992. Always an intellectual, you could find him each morning at the breakfast table, solving The New York Times games, or in his living room chair deeply entrenched in the latest historical or theological book that he had acquired. He was extremely proud of his extensive library. John was quick to laugh and enjoyed telling a good story, sometimes over and over (and over) again. A proud Irish American, when together with friends, he enjoyed toasting with a glass of Irish whiskey. John will be remembered for his feistiness, quick humor, kind heart, generous spirit, and unwavering commitment to his family, friends, and faith.

John is survived by his beloved wife, Janet, his children Keegan and Shannon (Chris), his sisters Miriam (William) and Kathryn, his brother Thomas (Maryellen), his sister-in-law Mary Ann, and his faithful dog, Finny, as well as many nieces and nephews. John was preceded in death by his son John Colin, his parents Thomas Joseph and Mary Laurine, his siblings Lucille, Robert (Dorothy), Richard, Edward, and Mary Margaret, and his brother-in-law Lou.

A Vigil is scheduled for June 27, 2024, at 6:00 pm

A Funeral mass is scheduled for June 28, 2024, at 10:00 am

Both services will be held at Christ the King Catholic Church, Dallas

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in John’s memory to one of the following charities:

● Catholic Charities Dallas www.ccdallas.org/donate/

● White Rock Center of Hope - whiterockcenterofhope.org/donate

● St. Vincent DePaul Society - svdpdallas.org/donate/

● American Heart Association - www.heart.org/