WILLIAMSBURG — James Sands “Jim” Kelly, 91, died Thursday, July 22, 2021. Born March 22, 1930, in Bristol, he was the son of James Schuyler Kelly and Thelma Waddell Kelly of Bristol.
An Eagle Scout and graduate of Virginia High School in Bristol, Jim earned an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy, but his high school only provided 11 years of schooling and the Naval Academy required 12, so he was compelled to take a year of college before reporting to the Academy. At the age of 17, Jim matriculated into the College of William & Mary, where he found his true home. He graduated in 1951 as the senior class president, president’s aide, and a member of the track team. Upon graduation, he was commissioned into the U.S. Marine Corps. After two years of active service, Jim accepted a job with the Dupont Company.
In 1954, Jim was offered the position of executive secretary of William & Mary’s newly-formed Society of the Alumni, where he laid the foundation for an expanding alumni program that paved the way for the College’s first development program and capital campaigns. In 1971, he was appointed assistant to the president, and in 1978, he accepted the additional position of secretary to the board of visitors. Over the years, Jim served five presidents and worked tirelessly as an adviser, ombudsman, and ambassador for the College. One would be hard-pressed to find anyone who has done more for William & Mary.
While working for the College, Jim demonstrated his sense of civic duty and love of service in many ways. He served as president of the Williamsburg-James City County Chamber of Commerce, Williamsburg-James City County United Fund, Williamsburg Area American Red Cross, Colonial District Boy Scouts of America and the Williamsburg Memorial Park Board of Directors. He was a Trustee of the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation. In 1975, Jim was recognized with the Silver Beaver Award for distinguished service to youth by the Boy Scouts of America National Court of Honor. Jim served in the Marine Reserves, retiring as a Colonel. Active at Bruton Parish Church, he served in several leadership capacities, including senior warden and member of the vestry. In his retirement, Jim enjoyed membership in the Pulaski Club.
His accomplishments were many, but perhaps his greatest role was that of devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather.
Jim Kelly’s life can best be summed up in his own words, from an essay written when he was 15, entitled “What Are the Responsibilities of Good Citizenship?” He looks for the best in others, and gives to the world the best he has, his life is an inspiration and his memory a benediction.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Beverly Simonton Kelly; and son, James Sands Kelly Jr.
He is survived by his two daughters, Sharra Kelly of Williamsburg and Beverly “B.” Alksninis, and her husband, Tom, of Celebration, Florida; four grandchildren, Christopher Dugan, and his wife, Jaime, William Dugan, Kelly Alksninis, and Algirdas “Sandy” Alksninis. He is preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Beverly Simonton Kelly and son James Sands Kelly, Jr.
A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, July 30, at Bruton Parish Church with interment in Cedar Grove Cemetery. A reception will follow at 4 p.m. at the William & Mary Alumni House.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the William & Mary Foundation, P.O. Box 1693, Williamsburg, VA 23187. Checks should include “in memory of James Kelly Sr.” in the note section. Credit card payments are accepted through https://giving.wm.edu/give-now/ with the fund searchable by name or allocation number. Please check the “In Memory of” box and note “James Kelly Sr.”
Share online condolences with the family at Bucktrout of Williamsburg Funeral Service.
