I will miss Jim greatly. We had so many good times together. Enjoyed our lunches over the last several years with the crew. He will greatly be missed.

Posted by Preston on September 4, 2020

Karen, Susan, and Jon I am so sad to hear about Jim‘s passing. After I transferred to the Kmart In Ashland Kentucky my first two or three days Jim came down to introduce him self to me and invite me to a rotary luncheon that we did for several years. Jim was the nicest man he never met a stranger while using his boat at Grayson lake with us in our boat he couldn’t pass another boat or a pontoon without waving and being just a friendly sort of guy that he always was vacationing with him And our families at Sanibel Island Florida JIM was a riot he was a Sandcastle building expert not much of a fisherman but just lots of fun calling bingo and just making everybody feel good. I will always remember the good times in family fun that we had for years. JIM was a great guy and he will be missed by a lot of people.

Posted by Dave Elchuk on September 3, 2020

Susan, Thinking if you and your family! Sending hugs, and prayers your way. Always remember the good times, and what a blessing it was to have such a great Dad! I love you, my friend!

Posted by Sheri Martin on September 3, 2020

Karen, John, Susan and Families, our hearts go out to you during this time of loss. Please know that everyone who ever knew Jim mourns his passing along side of you. Jim was my friend for more years that either of us would like to admit. Our journey is marked by so many good times and too many funny store to tell. I will miss our times together and all the times we have talked on the phone. I have always said that when I leave this world, I hope that I leave "happy tracks". My friend Jim surly left a lot of "happy tracks". May you find peace in your faith.

Posted by Mike Blankenship on September 3, 2020

Karen, John and Susan you have lost a great man that everybody loved. He was one of my best friends for last fifty years. While traveling to New York to purchase merchandise for the men's and children's department for our stores was some great times I will miss him RIP my dear friend Bill Javins

Posted by bill javins on September 2, 2020

Jim was always such fun to be around and a wonderful man. Karen my heart goes out to you and your family at this very difficult time. I will always think of him and smile.

Posted by Judy Stanley Tatom on September 1, 2020

Posted by Judy Tatom on September 1, 2020

Sorry for your loss Karen and family ! Mr. Kelly was the best boss and kindest soul I knew !!

Posted by Marie Bolling on September 1, 2020

This makes me so sad to read of Jim’s passing. I knew him from his Watson’s days. We were both store managers in different locations. He was just the nicest man, a true gentleman with a permanent smile on his face. His positive attitude was contagious. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

Posted by Debbie Morris on September 1, 2020

The best boss ever! I can hear his Vickie Sue now! I worked for him in Danville. He still came into the store and he never failed to stop and chat.He was firm but always understanding and I respected him so very much. He taught me about customer service for sure! When in doubt I would always ask myself “What would JK do” We had a lot of laughs and a few tears and I’ll miss him.

Posted by Vickie Fletcher on September 1, 2020

Lots of great memories of "Mr. K" from Watson's in Ashland/Russell in the 80's & 90's. He was the boss I learned the most from. I passed along a lot of his quotes and business best practices which led to successful stores. Wish I could be there! My condolences to Karen, Susan & John and families. Everyone loved Mr. Kelly!!

Posted by Mikkie Hoy Pierce on September 1, 2020

Susan I am so sadden to read of your Dad’s untimely death. I am thinking of all the memories you have and know that they are so special now, more than before. They will make you laugh and cry. It is ok to be sad and happy at the same time. I know too well, just know that you and your dear family on in my thoughts and prayers. Love you

Posted by Cindy Scott on September 1, 2020

My heart breaks with the news of Jim's passing. My prayers and thoughts are with you.

Posted by Angela Hersom Nehring on September 1, 2020