March 26th, 1945 — December 2nd, 2024
James Paul Kelly, 79, of Louisa, passed away in his sleep on Monday, December 2nd at King’s Daughters Medical Center, after a brief illness.
Mr. Kelly was born at Paintsville Hospital on March 26th, 1945, the oldest son of the late Victor and Gladys Pelfrey Kelly from Martha, Kentucky.
He attended Martha school and graduated from Blaine High School. During the summers he worked for Ashland Oil in Martha and in New York, and also worked summers in Steel mills and plants in Indiana and Ohio. Mr. Kelly was a graduate of Morehead State University, attaining a Masters of Education degree, and taught at Blaine High School. He worked for the judicial systems of Kentucky and Ohio as a social worker, and in later years, owned a car lot in Indiana. The “Bluegrass Poet” was also a writer of songs, some of which were recorded by Tom T. Hall, Ricky Skaggs, and other performers. He also played music himself, and recorded several cds.
Surviving are his loving wife Janet Kelly, daughters Kristen (Jeff) Abney, of Norfolk, Virginia, Victoria (Joe) Martin, of Arcanum, Ohio, Rachel (Jeff) Francis, of Greenville, Ohio, and brothers Tim (Pat) Kelly of Olive Hill, Kentucky and Tom (Terri) Kelly of Steubenville, Ohio. Mr. Kelly also had four stepchildren – Elizabeth (Roger) Parsons, Allen (Rebecca) Priode, and Chet (Carlie) Pelfrey, all of Louisa, and Kimberly (Mark) Alger of Cannonsburg, Kentucky. He was also blessed with many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews. James was preceded in death by two brothers, Rick Kelly and Mike Kelly.
Funeral services will be conducted Friday, December 6, 2024 at 2:00 PM in the Young Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Chuck Price officiating. Friends may visit the family on Friday, December 6, 2024 from 10:00 AM until time of service in the Young Funeral Home Chapel.
Young Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of Mr. Kelly.
