James Patrick Kelly, 81, of Oelwein passed away on Sunday December 23, 2012 at Mercy Living Plus in Oelwein due to cardio-pulmonary complications.  Visitation will be 3-7 PM on Friday December 28, 2012 at the Geilenfeld Funeral Home with a Vigil Service at 6:30 PM.  Funeral Services will be at 10:30 AM on Saturday December 29, 2012 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Oelwein.  He will be laid to rest in Woodlawn Cemetery.

Jim was born on July 30, 1931 in Oelwein to parents James D. and Velma (Bantz) Kelly.  He graduated from Sacred Heart in 1949.  On October 1, 1955 he was united in marriage to Marian Soper at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Oelwein.

Jim served his country honorably in the United States Navy on the U.S.S. New Jersey during the Korean War.  He was a carrier for the United States Postal Service, delivering mail on the west side of Oelwein for many years.  Jim loved hunting, gunsmithing, carving and his dogs.  He was a longtime member of Pheasants Forever. Reading was Jim's favorite pass-time and he was a frequent patron of the Oelwein Public Library.

Left to celebrate Jim’s life is his wife Marian; his son Jim (Patti) Kelly of Center Point; his daughter Jean (Mark) Gordish of Hudson; his grandchildren: Kelly (Evans) Komen of Waterloo and Katy (Tom) Mason of Ames; his great-grandchildren: Shannon Komen and Ivy Mason; as well as many friends.

In death, Jim has rejoined his parents and his sister Bernadette Weisman.

In Lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established.