James Edward Kelly, age 94, of Buda, TX went to be with our Lord on May 5, 2018 with his family at his bedside. James was born February 27, 1924 to Thomas (Texas A&M class of 1918) and Chester Kelly in San Angelo, Texas. James was raised in Texas and spent most of his life here. He served honorably in the United States Army. He was a veteran of the Battle of the Bulge for which he was awarded the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. He went on to earn a BS in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University (1946), and was very successful with major construction projects across the state. He was the chief construction engineer on the DFW Airport and was instrumental in building Santa Cruz Catholic church in Buda. His greatest sense of accomplishment came from knowing he had helped all five of his children earn degrees from Texas A&M University.
He loved the outdoors. Most of his life his hobbies were what his children were involved in including Boy Scouts, baseball and anything else his children enjoyed.
Jim married the love of his life, Mary Louise Opersteny on January 15, 1949 in Bryan, Texas. He loved his family and he provided well for his wife and children. He loved and enjoyed his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Remaining to cherish his memories are his wife of 69 years, Mary Lou Kelly of Buda, brother in law; Charles J. Opersteny and wife Regina, children; Michael K. Kelly(‘76) and wife Martha (‘79) of New Braunfels, TX, James P. Kelly (Pat)(‘77) and wife Robin of Richardson, TX, Katherine A. Kelly(‘79) of Bryan, TX, Timothy J. Kelly(‘82) of Plano, TX, Mark D. Kelly(‘85) and wife Sonia of Houston, TX. Sharing the loss are his wonderful grandchildren and great grandchildren, 10 grandchildren; Katherine Elizabeth Swift (‘16), Michael Kevin Kelly Jr. (‘07), Christopher James Kelly (‘05), Scott Ryan Kelly, Joseph Aaron Kelly, Shara Jeanne Kelly (‘15), James Michael Kelly, Brian Mitchell Kelly(USMC), Sean Michael Kelly, Jason Aaron Kelly(USCG); 5 great grandchildren; Samuel Porter Swift, Caitlin Taylor Kelly, Joshua Craig Kelly, Erin Mae Kelly and Shay Kimberly Kelly.
Jim was preceded in death by his son, James Michael Kelly and his grandson, Craig Patrick Kelly.
A viewing will be held on Thursday, May 10 2018 at Harrell Funeral Home in Kyle from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. A recitation of holy rosary will be held at 7:00 p.m. A mass of Christian burial is scheduled for 10 am Friday, May 11, 2018 at Santa Cruz Catholic Church in Buda. The Kelly’s ten grandchildren will serve as pallbearers. Interment will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Austin. Funeral services have been entrusted to Harrell Funeral Home, of Kyle, TX. To leave condolences for the Kelly family, please visit www.harrellfuneralhomes.com . In lieu of flowers please make contributions to Santa Cruz Catholic Church or Onion Creek Senior Center in Buda.
