James Kelly

James "Jim" Harvey Kelly, 92, of Greenwood, IN passed away on September 19, 2022, after a heart breaking decline and struggle from dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Jim was born October 24,1929 in Camden, NJ to the late Roy Harvey and Gertrude Louise Kelly, grew up in Chicago, IL, then becoming an adopted Hoosier in his mid-20's.

Jim was preceded in death by his sisters Julia (Judy) Leaverton and Virginia Dimartino. He is survived by his wife, Marquita Kelly, of 29 years, his children Christine Louise Bayh, Julia Elaine Smith (Colin), James Andrew Kelly, Daniel Lee Kelly (Cathy), Sarah Anne Corey (Ralph), Linda Kathleen Kelly and stepsons Tony May (Maggie), Ryan May (Kellie), Andy May (Melissa), 15 grandchildren, 5 step grandchildren, and 14 great grandchildren all of whom he loved deeply.

He loved all kinds of music, was artistic, enjoyed thoroughbred racing, poetry, reading and writing with his last written commentary focused on being made in the image of God. His favorite book was the Bible.

Jim was in the Air Force, graduated from Ozark Bible College in 1956 and later obtained his law degree from IU Robert H. Mckinney School of Law, in Indianapolis. He started working at a young age selling newspapers on the streets of Chicago, had his own late night radio DJ program, performed in different musical productions at the Civic Theatre and Footlight Musicals in Indianapolis, had a sign painting business, and many other interesting and numerous jobs. His quest for knowledge, debates, and in-depth discussions was ongoing. As a minister and a lawyer, he had an opinion about everything. Of all things, he loved being in the ministry more than anything, serving many independent Christian churches over the years. From his early teens, working in some Christian endeavor was his goal. Of all his occupations, being a servant of God and minister of the gospel was his passion.

Jim will be deeply missed, loved, and remembered as a truly unique individual with a rich history, sense of humor, wealth of knowledge and wisdom gained over his lifetime. Who else do you know who would watch Book TV on C-span and take notes?

To honor his wishes, a family celebration of life will be in November.

Memorial Contributions may be made to University Heights Christian Church, 4050 Shelby St, Indianapolis, IN 46227.