Jim Kelly - 83

[bp78]

After a long bout with cancer and other ailments, my maternal-grandfather and my introduction to hunting and shooting sports passed away last week.

Maurice James (Jim) Kelly, 83, passed away peacefully in the family home on Sunday, December 13, 2009. He was born in Butte, Montana on December 2, 1926. His Butte High School class of 1944 graduated early so that Jim and his fellow students could join the war effort. He served in the Navy as a Radioman on Guam Island in the Pacific Theater. After the war, he met his wife of sixty years, Mary Louise (Mae) Woods. He entered the FBI as a Special Agent in 1951, serving in Kansas City, Philadelphia, Salt Lake City, and Reno. However, he spent most of his career in New Mexico as a Principal Firearms Instructor & Training Coordinator. He was well known throughout the state among law enforcement agencies for many years, retiring in 1979. Jim was an avid outdoorsman, and enjoyed many hunting and fishing trips with his family and friends. We all remember him telling us to "keep your cheek down" and to "keep your line tight!" After retiring, Jim and Mae enjoyed many trips to Alaska, Hawaii and all around the country visiting friends and family. He is fondly remembered by his family and friends as always "Having a Good Trip!" Jim is survived by his wife Mae; daughter Linda (husband Barry); sons Jim (wife Mary Jo); Joe; John (wife Susan); Jerry (wife Donna); and grandchildren Barry, Kelly-Ann, Kristina, Molly, Leila, Emma, Kyrstyn and Kaytlyn; and Joshua, Jimmy, Emily, and Courtney. He is survived by his three sisters Dorothy Quinn, (husband Dr. James Quinn); Betty Foy, and Marge Keilman (husband Hal), all of Helena, Montana; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Cremation has taken place. The rosary will be recited on January 7, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. at Queen of Heaven Church, with eulogies that night and a reception following at the family home. Mass will be celebrated on January 8, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. at Queen of Heaven. He will be interred at the National Cemetery in Santa Fe in a private ceremony. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Animal Humane Association, 615 Virginia St. S.E., Albuquerque, NM 87108.

[Greg Bell]

May he rest in peace, sounds like a good man.

[JimmyZip]

Wow what a life! Must have been just a great guy to have in the family. I know you will miss him. Know that you are blessed to just have known him let alone be related.

Prayers sent.

[ima45dv8]

I'm sorry for your loss, Barry.

[ccur]

I am so sorry for your loss...My thoughts and Prayers are with you and the family

Cheryl

[Merlin Orr]

I am sorry for your loss. Prayers sent for the family and those who loved him.

[AlamoShooter]

Sorry for your loss

[Sarge]

THAT was a life well lived! Sorry for your loss.

[Neomet]

I am sorry for your family's loss. As Sandman said, certainly a life well lived.