James Floyd Kelly

He leaves behind his brother John Kelly and wife Debbie, his sister Carol Ford and husband Danny, and his four daughters: Marcie Long, Stephanie Urban, Susan Ridge and husband Brad, and Christy Chumley and husband Chris. Jim was a proud grandfather to Jerrod Long, Josh Long and wife Sarah (with great-grandsons Jack and David), Madeline Cook and husband Coby, Blaine Urban and fiancé Remy, Colton Sandoval and wife Carly, and Connor Chumley.

Jim graduated from Dalhart High School and shortly thereafter answered the call of service. On January 14, 1964, he entered the United States Navy, serving six years as a Radio Dispatcher (RM3) before his honorable discharge in 1970. He was awarded the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Vietnam) and the National Defense Service Medal for his dedication to his country.

On February 14, 1985, Jim married the love of his life, Deborah "Debbie" Kelly, and together they built a family full of grit, laughter, and love until her passing in August 2023.

Though he spent time in Dalhart, Texas, and later settled in Corinth, Jim's heart never strayed far from the wide-open skies of Nara Visa, New Mexico, on the family ranch he called "God's Country." That land shaped him - teaching him the values of hard work, humility, and quiet strength. Jim never claimed the title of cowboy, but he lived by the code: faith in God, loyalty to family, pride in his work, and a deep respect for the land and life around him.

Jim will be remembered for his steady hand, strong spirit, and the love he carried for those he held close. His story is one of service, family, and the enduring grit of a man who walked through life with quiet courage and left it with the same.