IL HR0873

James M. "Jim" Kelly Sr., a World War II veteran and Urbana firefighter, passed away on May 30, 2024, at age 102.

Kelly was born December 29, 1921, in Findlay and served in the United States Marine Corps with the 5th Marine Division, participating in the 36-day Battle of Iwo Jima in February-March 1945.

Kelly married his high school sweetheart Leila Mae Roughton on July 8, 1944, and they remained married for 66 years; they had two children, Cheryl Ann "CJ" Johnson and James Milton Kelly II.

Kelly was a lifetime member of the VFW, American Legion, Masons, Marine Corps League, and belonged to the Elks Club for 40 years; he supported the World War II Memorial and The National World War II Museum.

The Illinois House of Representatives mourns Kelly's passing and extends condolences to his family, including 4 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.