Father John James Kelly

Father John J. Kelly, 88, of Biloxi, peacefully passed away on December 29, 2024, following a brief illness.

A devoted servant of the Catholic Church, Father Kelly dedicated his life to faith, family, and fostering connections between his beloved Ireland and the United States.

Born on June 23, 1936, at Falnashamer House in Ballintogher, County Sligo, Ireland, Father Kelly faced an early tragedy with the passing of his parents when he was just seven months old. He and his six siblings were lovingly raised by their aunt, Eleanor Jane Meehan.

Father Kelly pursued his vocation at Summerhill College in Sligo, and St. Patrick’s College Carlow, Ireland culminating in his ordination on June 6, 1964, at Carlow Cathedral. Soon after, he traveled to the Diocese of Natchez-Jackson, Mississippi, where he ministered in parishes across Biloxi, Laurel, Bay Saint Louis, Indianola, Gulfport, Lakeshore and Clermont Harbor. Throughout his long career, he profoundly enriched the spiritual lives of his parishioners.

Father Kelly’s faith was equaled only by his deep love for family. As one of seven siblings, he is survived by his sisters, Tilda Mahon (UK), Phyllis McGrory (USA), and Doreen Murray (UK). His legacy of love and devotion lives on through his numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. Always present in their lives, Father Kelly celebrated countless family milestones, including baptisms, communions, confirmations, weddings, and funerals. His wisdom, warmth, and steadfast presence were a source of strength and joy to his extended family.

A man of two worlds, Father Kelly cherished his Irish roots and American home in equal measure. He frequently visited Ireland, spending many holidays along its western coast, reconnecting with family and friends. He rarely returned from Ireland without first stopping off in the United Kingdom to visit his family there as well. In the United States, his travels brought him from New York to California, strengthening bonds with loved ones.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Timothy Kelly and Mary Elizabeth Kelly (nee Meehan); his aunt, Eleanor Jane Meehan; his brothers, Christopher (Chris) and Timothy Alphonsus (Alfie); and his sister, Rosemary.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis (May his faithful soul rest in peace).

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Biloxi at 11am (Central Standard Time). Friends may visit one hour prior. There will be a private burial on Monday, January 6, 2025 at the Old Biloxi Cemetery. There will be a separate service in Ireland for family and loved ones at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, Priest Retirement Fund, 2090 Pass Road, Biloxi, MS 39531, USA or the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Sligo, Ireland.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve Father Kelly’s family and will host a live-stream and archive of the funeral on their website (bradfordokeefe.com).