John P. Kellam, Jr., of West Point, Virginia, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 10, 2025, at the age of 91. For the past nine years, he made his home in Centreville, Virginia, with his daughter Amy and her family, where he was surrounded daily by love and laughter.
Born on October 30, 1933 in Richmond, Virginia, to John and Margaret Kellam, John grew up with a deep appreciation for hard work, craftsmanship, and family. In 1959, he married the love of his life, Marjorie, and together they raised four children, building a life rooted in devotion, generosity, and faith.
John devoted 27 years working for Chesapeake Corporation, where his diligence and dependability earned the respect of his colleagues. An expert brick mason by trade, he poured skill and pride into every wall and fireplace he built. Outside of his profession, his hands were rarely still — he made and repaired dolls, crafted rosaries (a practice he continued until the last year of his life), and could often be found whittling small treasures from wood. His work was always a reflection of his creativity, patience, and love for others.
John’s generosity was as steady as his work ethic — whether offering his time, talent, or encouragement, he gave freely and without hesitation. Those who knew John remember his quick wit, kind spirit, and unwavering dedication to his family. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud grandfather and great-grandfather whose greatest joy came from time spent with those he cherished.
He is preceded in death by his beloved wife Marjorie, his parents John and Margaret Kellam, his sister Constance Perry and nephew Kenny Perry.
John’s legacy of craftsmanship, humor, and steadfast love lives on in the lives of his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all who were fortunate enough to know him. He is survived by his children Jennifer Haynes ((Billy), Jessica Cook (John), Amy Powers (Richard), Shawn (Tonia), grandchildren Ashley (Austin), John (Tina), Maggie, Stacie (Chris), Alfredo, Seth, Shelby, and great grandchildren, Claire, Nicholas, Peyton, Daivian, Jade, and Ariana and great great grandson Colsen, niece Patsy (Richard), nephew Ronnie ( Vivian).
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. Saturday, August 16th at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church, 3570 King William Avenue, West Point, VA 23181. Interment will follow in St. Theresa Cemetery, West Point, VA. The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday at Vincent Funeral Home, 417 11th Street, West Point, VA 23181. The family will be receiving friends for a time of food and fellowship at the Knights of Columbus Hall following the graveside service.
