Obituary of James Clifford Kelly

James Clifford Kelly, 78, of Terra Alta, WV, passed away Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at his home.

He was born July 12, 1946, in Phillipi, WV, a son of the late Clifford Paul Kelly and Villa Louise (Sell) Kelly.

James proudly served his country in the United States Navy. He was a very hard worker, working as a coal miner, an electrician, and doing carpentry work in his spare time. James helped build some of the stone fireplaces in Alpine Lake. He was a member of the Faith Church in Cranesville. James loved watching the WVU Mountaineers football and basketball teams. He absolutely loved watching westerns. Most of all he loved his family and took the best care of every one of them. James will surely be missed.

He is survived by two daughters, Sherry Adams and husband, Chris of NC and Claudia Shuttleworth and husband, Barry of Mt. Savage, MD; one son, Charles Kelly of Terra Alta; three grandchildren, Corey, Phoebe, and Daphne Shuttleworth; brother, Bill Kelly and wife, Penny; sisters, Cathy Sanders and husband, David, Jeanne McGinnis and husband, Junior, and Debbie Gank and husband, Jeff; several aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.

In addition to his parents, James is preceded in death by his loving wife of 50 years, Mary Elizabeth Kelly; brother, Robert Wayne Kelly, and sister, Patricia Louise Grimm.

In lieu of flowers, donations in James' memory may be made to the Faith Church, 6639 Cranesville Road, Terra Alta, WV 26764.

Friends may call at the Faith Church, 6639 Cranesville Road, Terra Alta, WV 26764, on Saturday, March 8, 2025, from 4:00 pm until the 6:00 pm time of service with Pastor Scott Smith and Pastor Ryan Miller officiating. To honor James' wishes, the Arthur H. Wright Funeral Home in Terra Alta will provide compassionate and professional cremation services.

James will be reunited with his beloved wife and inurnment will be held on a later date at the Faith Cemetery with Military Honors conducted by the Preston County Honor Guard and the WVANG Honor Guard.

Condolences may be extended to the family online at www.arthurwrightfuneralhome.com.