James J. O'Kelly

James J. O’Kelly, age 82, of Commerce Township, passed away December 25, 2017. Beloved husband of Shirley. Loving father of Maureen (John) Underhill, Brian O’Kelly and Tim O’Kelly. Proud grandfather of Shawn, Thomas (Abbey), Leah, Branden, Brian Jr. and Justin. Treasured great-grandfather of Payton, Hunter and Hazel. Dear brother of Tom O’Kelly, Eileen O’Sullivan and the late Maureen Stillin.

James was a member of the Michigan Irish American Hall of Fame. He was a retired adjunct professor of political science for Schoolcraft College and never missed a class. He loved every minute of his teaching career. He served 27 years as an adult felony probation officer for the State of Michigan - a job he also loved. James was a long time member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians for 58 years. Recently he was the Michigan State Historian. James was also an active member of the Knights of Equity Court 6 where he served as lecturer for the past 10 years. James was an active member of the Knights of Columbus Monahan Council.

Visitation will be held Thursday, December 28, 2017 from 3:00pm until 8:00pm (Rosary 6:30pm) at the Union Lake Chapel of the Elton Black & Son Funeral Home, 1233 Union Lake Road, White Lake. Funeral Mass will be held Friday, December 29, 2017 at 11:00am (In State 10:00am) at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 9086 Hutchins Road, White Lake. Burial at All Saints Cemetery, Waterford. Memorial contributions can be made to the Capuchin Soup Kitchen, www.cskdetroit.org. Share a memory at www.eltonblackandsonwhitelake.com