16 February 2000

James Donald Kelly was born to James Philip Kelly and Stella Becker Kelly on Dec.27, 1940, at Exeter. He passed away Feb. 9, 2000, at Community Care of Exeter, at the age of 59 years, 1 month and 9 days. He was one of ten children in the family.

Jimmy was the ninth child born in the family of ten. He was preceded in death by two brothers who died in infancy and by two sisters, Cleo Kelly Robare and Caroline Kelly Dyer.

Jimmy was baptized in the St. Stephens Catholic Church in infancy and received the sacraments of Holy Eucharist and confirmation during a Mass said by Father Kenneth Borowiak on Nov. 6, 1999, at the Community Care.

Jimmy had little formal education due to his inability to speak more than a few words. He was content living at home with his family. He had a special love for music and liked to draw and do things with his hands. He enjoyed watching television and looking at magazines and newspapers. While living in Lincoln he would often go to the neighborhood grocery store with a grocery list and carry home those items requested. With the declining health of his parents necessitated their moving to a nursing home, Jimmy went with them. He continued living there after his parents death and was a resident for 20 years. He had a very loving and easy-going nature and made many friends at Community Care. Jimmy's mother Stella often commented how he was such a blessing.

Jimmy is survived by brothers, Rex and wife Shirley of Holdrege, and E.D. and wife Arleda of Lincoln; by sisters, Marion and husband Arnold Geiger of Exeter, Colleen Blessing and Kathleen Rupert both of Lincoln; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, Feb.12, 2000, from St. Stephens Catholic Church in Exeter with Father Kenneth Borowiak officiating.

Casket bearers were Dale Waldron, Jay Geiger, Ed Kelly, Thomas Kelly, Jim Kelly and Dan Kelly.

Interment was in the Exeter Cemetery with Farmer Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.