James Edward Kelly, age 94, of Buda, TX went to be with our Lord on May 5, 2018 with his family at his bedside. James was born February 27, 1924 to Thomas (Texas A&M class of 1918) and Chester Kelly in San Angelo, Texas. James was raised in Texas and spent most of his life here. He served honorably in the United States Army. He was a veteran of the Battle of the Bulge for which he was awarded the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. He went on to earn a BS in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University (1946), and was very successful with major construction projects across the state. He was the chief construction engineer on the DFW Airport and was instrumental in building Santa Cruz Catholic church in Buda. His greatest sense of accomplishment came from knowing he had helped all five of his children earn degrees from Texas A&M University.
He loved the outdoors. Most of his life his hobbies were what his children were involved in including Boy Scouts, baseball and anything else his children enjoyed.
Jim married the love of his life, Mary Louise Opersteny on January 15, 1949 in Bryan, Texas. He loved his family and he provided well for his wife and children. He loved and enjoyed his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
