James W. Kelly Jr.

James "Rooster" W. Kelly Jr., age 88, of Williamsport, OH went home to be with the Lord on June 12, 2022 from an extended illness. He was at home surrounded by family. James was the eldest son of James Kelly Sr. and Laura Kelly, he was born on August 8, 1933 in Hillsboro, OH. When James was a year old the family moved to Redbush, KY where they planted their roots and welcomed another son and daughter. He graduated from Flat Gap High School in 1950, he then attended Morehead College in KY. James also taught Biology at Meade Memorial High School in KY. James was a proud U.S. Army Veteran that served our country from 1953 to 1956. James married Barbara Gail Plum in the 60's in FL and started a family. They had four daughters by 1973. James provided for his family well in the Plumbing/Pipe-Fitter industry. He was also a member of the Plumber/Pipe-Fitters Union Hall in Portsmouth, OH. His hobbies included golfing, fishing, gardening and cooking. James knew the Lord and raised his family with the same beliefs. James will be joining several loved ones in Heaven including his father and mother; wife; daughter; and two sons-in-law. He leaves behind a brother, Jack & Helen Kelly, of Keaton, KY; sister, Janie Kovacs, of Lakeland, FL; three daughters, Tammy (Kelly) Echard, of Chillicothe, OH; Janie (Kelly) Ackerson, of Grayson, KY and Stephenia (Kelly) Ratliff, of Williamsport, OH; several grandchildren; and great-grandchildren; a special friend for over 30 years, Carol Jacobs, of Circleville, OH. James will be greatly missed by all. A committal service with full military honors will take place at 1:00 PM on Friday, September 16, 2022 at Dayton National Cemetery, 4400 W. Third St, Dayton, OH 45428.