James Ellis Kelly, Sr., 80, passed away on January 1, 2018 at Research Medical Center. He was born in Little Rock, Arkansas on April 7, 1937 to the late Rev. L.B. and Leola Thompson-Kelly.

James accepted Christ as his personal Savior at an early age and became a member of the Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church in College Station, Arkansas. He loved to sing for the Lord and was a foundational member of the Kelly Singers gospel group, where he traveled the country singing God's praises!

James was united in Holy Matrimony to Miss Geraldine Lane on September 25, 1955. To this union one daughter and three sons were born. James later moved to Kansas City, Missouri from College Station, Arkansas and became a member of the True Vine Missionary Baptist Church where he served many years as a Deacon and the Minister of Music.

James came to Kansas City with only thirty-nine dollars and a determined spirit of entrepreneurialism. He was employed by Atlas Wire and quickly earned a promotion to Floor Supervisor. While at Atlas Wire he designed the first TV Guide rack but was never given credit for this accomplishment. Saving money from the Atlas Wire job helped James to purchase the pickup truck that would serve as the springboard to business ownership for him. With this truck James began hauling trash in the greater KC area, earning enough money to purchase a dump-truck that he affectionately named, "The Green Hornet!" James would lease the Green Hornet to various companies affording him the opportunity to start an asphalt business with two of his brothers, Willie and Kenneth Kelly. Kelly Brothers Asphalt would become the largest minority owned company in the four state area. James' business acumen and strong work ethic coupled with his resolve for entrepreneurialism provided him the opportunity to own various companies. He generously shared the wisdom and knowledge he gained in the business world and was an inspiration to many.

James loved the Lord with all his heart and shared his faith by frequently inviting others to church. He had a great love for people and greatly valued helping the less fortunate. He was an excellent husband, father, grandfather, teacher, and mentor that will be terribly missed by all that knew him.

James was preceded in death by his loving wife Geraldine Lane-Kelly; his parents the late Rev. Leroy Berlin "L.B." Kelly and Leola Thompson-Kelly; and three brothers Rev. Napoleon Kelly, Rev. Cleophus Kelly and Rev. Don Albert Kelly.

Left to cherish his memory are: one daughter, Grace M. Kelly of Raytown, MO; three sons, James E. Kelly, Jr. (Theresa) of K.C., MO; Rev. Donald L. Kelly, Sr. (Talinda) and Rev. Ronald D. Kelly, Sr. (Kelsey) both of Lee's Summit, MO; nine grandchildren: Rashel "Shely" Kelly-Hughley (Sean), CaSaundra "Heavy" Kelly-Dotson (Russell), Ronald "R.J" Kelly (Vanessa), Gina "G" Kelly, Rodney "Old Man" Kelly, James "Tre" Kelly III, Nicholas VanRoss, Mariah "Queen Bee" Kelly, and Donald "D.J." Kelly, Jr. Four great grandchildren: Phoenix Dotson, Mya Dotson, Ryder Kelly and Olivia Hughley; three brothers: Rev. Willie L. Kelly, Rev. Clyde E. Kelly and Kenneth D. Kelly; seven sisters: Doris Beasley, A. Jeanette Leverett, Alberta Blanks, Fredia Cummings, Gwendolyn Jones, Elizabeth Beasley, Joyce Lewis and a host of loving brothers and sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, and loved ones.