Dr. C. James Kelly

Dr. C. James Kelly, age 63, passed away Tuesday, August 19, 2008 at VNS Hospice House. He was born on July 10, 1945 to Cortland James and Marie (Schlegelmilch) Kelly in Mitchell S.D. Dr. Kelly graduated from Riggs High School in Pierre, S.D., received his undergraduate degree from University of South Dakota in 1967; and graduated from Chicago Medical School in 1971. He completed his family practice residency at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, MI from 1971 - 1974, and then served his country in the Army Medical Corps doing family practice at Ft. Gordon in Augusta, GA from 1974 - 1976. He was a physician with Family Practice Associates in Muskegon prior to retiring in 1993. Dr. Kelly was a part of the community in many ways. He belonged to Muskegon County Medical Society and served as its president in 1986. He served on the board of Planned Parenthood and the Muskegon Health Project. Dr. Kelly also worked as the plant physician for S.D. Warren Co. For many years, he spent Friday evenings on the sidelines as the Mona Shores Football Team Doctor. He was an avid woodworker who built several boats and many lovely pieces of hand carved furniture for his family. On June 10, 1967, he married the former Linda Mason in Gary, IN, and she survives him along with 2 children, Melissa (Tim) Davies and Margaret (Scott) Patton both of New Jersey; 3 grandchildren, Connor Patton, Grace Davies, and Maddie Patton; 2 sisters, Elizabeth Winger and Katherine (Steve) Johannessen of Minnesota; his mother-in-law, Margaret Mason; and special uncle, John Mason; as well as several nieces and nephews. Dr. Kelly was preceded in death by his parents. A MEMORIAL SERVICE for Dr. Kelly will be held 11 AM Monday, August 25, 2008 at The Lee Chapel Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc. 6291 S. Harvey St. Norton Shores, MI 49441 231-798-1100 with Pastor Don Mathews officiating. VISITATION with the family will be 3-5 PM Sunday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to VNS Hospice House will be appreciated.