James S. Kelly

James S. Kelly, 72, of Delmont, PA, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, July 6, 2023, at his home. He was born November 12, 1950, son of the late James and Mary Ann Veselka Kelly.  In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a sister, Mary Margic. 

Known as Jim to his friends and family, he came from humble roots in Johnstown, Pennsylvania where he developed a strong work ethic early in life. At age 12 he joined the work force as a caddy at Sunnehanna Country Club so that he could help take care of his family.

As he got older (and taller) he worked hard and applied himself as a scholar and an athlete at Johnstown High School where he was captain of the football and the basketball teams and held longtime basketball records.

Jim attended La Roche University where he earned his BS in Business Administration and then began his career as a computer programmer. Later, he obtained his MBA from the University of Pittsburgh.

In 1985, Jim founded KCS (Kelly Computer Services) an IT Consulting Programming, and Training company that he grew to a national corporation with locations in five cities: Pittsburgh, Atlanta, Phoenix, Cleveland, and San Francisco. In 1998 Jim sold KCS to spend more time with his family and was very involved with coaching youth sports with his sons, Steve and Chris.

In addition to his computing ventures, Jim also had a love of real estate and maintained a real estate license since the 1980s that he maintained to the very end and was an active agent with REMAX/Heritage in Murrysville. During the 2000s he had created a Florida-based real estate brokerage, Three Palms Realty, that he was particularly proud of.

As time passed and his focus turned to family and his life in the Murrysville/Delmont community, Jim became very active in the local community. Friends often referred to him as the “mayor” of Murrysville though he never officially involved himself with politics. Jim was a member of the Italian American Club of Export and the Export PA Moose Lodge No. 234 and a former member of Edgewood Country Club and Westmoreland Country Club.  

Jim loved spending time with his wife Diane. He enjoyed weekend breakfasts with his daughter Lori. Some of his happiest moments were playing golf and watching movies with his sons, Steve and Chris. And he absolutely adored spending time with his youngest granddaughter, “Sweet Baby Charlotte”, who lit up every time Jim entered the room.

Jim is survived by his wife of 36 years, Diane (Dugan) Kelly; a daughter, Lori (Stuart) Ziegler, two sons, Stephen (Melissa Liddell) Kelly, Christopher Kelly; three grandchildren, Jimmy Ziegler, Allisha (Bryan) McFeeley, and Charlotte Kelly. He is also survived by three brothers, Joe, Rich, and John Kelly; numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by many brothers and sisters-in-law and his mother-in-law, Rose Anne “Rosie” Dugan, who he dearly loved.

Visitation is from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 11, 2023, at Hart Funeral Home, Inc., Murrysville. A Funeral Service will be held 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at the funeral home. Entombment will follow at Grandview Cemetery, Johnstown, PA. www.hartfuneralhomeinc.com