James Kelly - Roberson Funeral Home

James Kelly

September 21, 1928 - December 7, 2011

Roberson Funeral Homes Punta Gorda Chapel

215 Mary Street

Punta Gorda, FL 33950

941-639-7500 |

Monday 12/12, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Cleveland United Methodist Church

Tuesday 12/13, 10:00 am

Charlotte Memorial Gardens

9416391171 |

Tuesday 12/13, 11:15 am

James Andrew “Jim” Kelly, 83, of Punta Gorda, Florida died Wednesday, December 7th, 2011 in Punta Gorda.

Born September 21, 1928 in Dayton, Ohio to the late Jeannette K. and James E. Kelly, the Kelly family moved when Jim was 4 years old from Dayton to Punta Gorda where he would become an active member of the community with his wife Shirley S. (nee – Schultz) Kelly, a Punta Gorda native. Together, they owned and operated the Eagles Nest Resort and Lodge, and Eagles Nest Boys Camp in Charlotte County. Jim was a Past Chairman of the Charlotte County Conservation Council, past member Board of Directors of Charlotte Regional Medical Center Hospital, a past Deacon of First Presbyterian Church of Punta Gorda and active member of Cleveland United Methodist Church in Punta Gorda. Jim, a US Army service veteran, is listed in the Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities.

Survivors include his children, James A. (Shannon) Kelly, Jr. and granddaughter Meghan, all of Jacksonville, FL, and daughter, Kimberly M. Kelly of Riverview, FL; nephews, Mike (Mary Jane) Warren and grandniece Kristina, and Patrick (Debra) Warren and grandnieces Lexis and Elizabeth; and niece, Kelly (Ron) Deal and grandnephew Kerry. In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by a sister, Sheila K. Warren, and in June of 2000 by his beloved wife of 41 years, Shirley.

Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, December 12, 2011 at Roberson Funeral Homes, Punta Gorda Chapel. Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 13, at Cleveland United Methodist Church, with Rev. Thomas H. Moore officiating, followed by burial with Military Honors at Charlotte Memorial Gardens cemetery in Punta Gorda.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests Memorial Bequests in Jim’s name to the Coastal Conservation Association for Florida, or to the American Heart Association.

Arrangements are by Roberson Funeral Homes & Crematory Punta Gorda Chapel.

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Roberson Funeral Homes Punta Gorda Chapel

215 Mary Street

Punta Gorda, FL 33950

941-639-7500 | Map

Monday 12/12, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Cleveland United Methodist Church

Tuesday 12/13, 10:00 am

Charlotte Memorial Gardens

9416391171 |

Tuesday 12/13, 11:15 am

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James Andrew “Jim” Kelly, 83, of Punta Gorda, Florida died Wednesday, December 7th, 2011 in Punta Gorda. Born September 21, 1928 in Dayton, Ohio to the late Jeannette K. and James E. Kelly, the Kelly family moved when Jim was 4 years old from Dayton to Punta Gorda where he would become an active member…

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I just visited Eagles Nest, now an Elks lodge. I loved everyone of my 5 years at Eagles nest and all the wonderful memories BIg Kim Kelly created for us boys. Thank you Jim , you are loved and remembered

Starting in my 8th grade year in 1965, I spent three summers at Camp Eagles Nest. It was here that I learned the fine art of shooting a .22 - not simply the shooting of it. I learned how to water ski and to play Capture the Flag. I learned now to long-distance cast a lure and caught many a catfish of the long wooden dock. I learned how to respect authority and the joy of being rewarded for a job well done - not less-earned benefit we call childhood allowances for which we often did very little. Jim's campers were awarded tickets based on the best caring of their rooms, their attitude and helpfulness - any my coupons were redeemed for Nehi orange soda and Butterfinger candy bars. I remember overnight stays at a piling-supported fish house in the middle of a bay, catching Redfish, Sheeps Head and trout. I remember Tarpon fishing in Tarpon Bend. I remember running head-long into a tree late one night and being taken to a dinner party that Jim and Jeannette were attending - and how they shifted their focus immediately to a boy's golf ball sized lump on the forehead. I remember learning to like iced tea - and loving every spoonful of oatmeal. Best of all meals, I still like beef stew in the morning - which we had before every off-camp adventure. Jim knew it would hold us well until we reached our destination. I remember returning with my dad during the hunting season for wild hog - and the BBQ that followed. I remember opening my mom's keepsake truck and finding postcards home that we were required to write once each week. But I most remember two things. One, Jim - a father figure for all, a gentleman and mentor, who helped my dad teach me growing up lessons away from home, adventuring. And two, oh how I wish I could have thanked Jim so many years after my last Eagles Nest summer for all that he embedded in me.

I caught my first tarpon in Boca Grande Pass with Jim's help because I was 10 years old, it was 4:30 in the morning, and probably was scared to death. Jim let me call my Dad from the marina to ask if I could have it mounted. That tarpon still hangs in my office 37 years later. To a generation of Ft. Lauderdale area kids who attended Eagles Nest in the 70's and 80's, Jim was, and still is, a hero; the very definition of a role model.

God bless both of your amazing parents who i think about often..they taught me soo much..i love and always will love your daddy..he was perfect! Glad for you amd your wife and daughter..they too..have an amazing man! Best to you and kim :-)fv

Dear Jimmy and Kim.....We are so sorry for the loss of your Dad. He was a wonderful man and neighbor. He always had a interesting story to tell as any one who knew him will tell you. As I'm writing this I know in my heart he was greeted by your Mom with fishing pole in one hand and gun in the other and they are either out fishing or hunting, after all she did have 11 years to scope out all the good spots for them. Roger and Linda Lemoi

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

A lifetime friend from our college days, Jim was the most sincere, honest person I have ever known. whenever I think of his memory in the future, it will inspire to be the best person I can be.

I will always remember my Uncle Jim for his love of life and the great outdoors. He touched the lives of so many people in a positive manner and did what he could to make the world a better place. I will never forget the times he took us out fishing for the day and then we'd come home and enjoy the fuits of our labor, tell jokes and listen to stories from the good ol' days. Our loss today is Heavens gain for eternity. We love you and will miss you greatly Uncle Jim. Mike, Mary Jane & Kristina

DEAR JIMMY & KIMMY , WE ARE SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSE OF YOUR DAD . HE WAS A GREAT MAN HE WILL BE MISSED DEARLY . I"M SORRY WE ALL LOST CONTACT THROUGH THE YEAR"S . BUT OUR LOVE AND THOUGHT"S WERE ALWAY"S THERE . WE LOVE YOU BOTH . GOD BE WITH YOU NOW AND ALWAY"S ....... LOVE ETHEL JONES & FAMILY

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.