COLUMBUS
James Dewey (Jim) Kelly, age 71, passed peacefully in his home on May 14, 2024. He was born in Albany, NY on June 9, 1952, to the late Dorothy J. Miller Kelly and Charles E. Kelly.
Jim attended Middlebury College in Vermont, where he was a student athlete all four years, excelling in his endeavors. He was elected co-captain of the Middlebury football team during his senior year and he helped lead the team to an undefeated season. He graduated from Middlebury in 1975 with the distinction of Magna Cum Laude.
Jim then attended Cornell University and received a Master’s degree from the School of Industrial Labor Relations in 1976. He began his 34-year career with Cummins Engine Company in Columbus, Indiana, where he met his wife Terri, who survives him. They were married in Nashville, IN on October 29, 1977. They have three children – Abigail (Ashley James) Smith, Jessica (Joseph) Diehl, and Patrick (Felicitas) Kelly.
Jim held various positions with Cummins through the years in Columbus, Jamestown, NY, and Charleston, SC, and served as a plant manager in each of the three locations. He began his career in Columbus as a foreman of the piston line at the Walesboro Components Plant. While working in a labor relations role, Jim was on the team that negotiated an unprecedented 11 year labor contract (1993-2004) with the Diesel Workers Union. Briefly, Jim left Cummins to join Dahlstrom Manufacturing Company in Jamestown, NY, then returned to Cummins as plant manager of the Jamestown plant.
In 1993, Jim was named vice president of Heavy Duty / High Horsepower Manufacturing. Through the following years, from 1996-2004, his leadership continued in the following areas: Worldwide Operations, Automotive Business; Industrial Marketing; Worldwide MidRange Operations; Industrial Engine Business; MidRange Engine Business; and MidRange and Heavy Duty Engine Business. In 2005, Jim was named Vice President – President of the Engine Business. He retired from Cummins in September of 2010. Jim’s board memberships included Developmental Services, Wabash National Corporation, Komatsu Cummins Engine Company and Dongfeng Cummins Engine Company.
Jim possessed an exceptional ability to lead, inspire, and relate to people. Even as he advanced in his career, he was often seen on the factory floor greeting people by name, expressing gratitude for their hard work and service. Jim often would note how much he enjoyed going to the Cummins plant in Jamestown, because his shirt would be imprinted on his shoulders and back from the number of people who hugged him in greeting, with warmth and enthusiasm. Jim always sought to understand and balance all points of view in his decision making, and was known for thoughtful, insightful perspectives. His integrity, acumen, and leadership are lessons he passed along to his children and friends.
Jim loved music of all genres and inspired the musical tastes of all of his children. He had an uncanny knack of selecting the perfect song for any occasion and often joked about what he could have done with the brain space occupied by thousands of song lyrics and melodies.
Along with his love of family and music, Jim carried a passion for sports throughout his entire life. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed many Saturdays on the course with his friends. He was always in pursuit of the elusive hole-in-one! Jim ardently followed the Buffalo Bills and Indianapolis Colts. He developed a fondness for the New York Yankees as a child, sometimes attending, and often listening to games on the radio with his dad.
Jim was most at peace near the ocean with his toes buried in the sand, and the waves crashing around him. Family beach vacations to the Outer Banks and Kiawah Island are the source of many happy family memories and traditions, upon which his loving family and cherished friends often reflect.
Among Jim’s greatest joys were his grandchildren – Madeleine, Michaela, and Eileen Smith, and James Diehl. Above all, he considered them, and any future grandchildren, his greatest legacy. Their smiles, hugs and love brought him many happy moments.
Jim is survived by his wife of 47 1/2 years, Terri; his aforementioned children, their spouses, and grandchildren; his brother, Thomas C (Hedy) Kelly, and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and cousins.
The Kelly family would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the many friends who provided support through Jim’s years of illness. We are grateful for the assistance of the in-home caregivers and Hospice staff for their loving care. A very special thank you is extended to the care partners of Journey North Care Management, whose skill and compassion were nothing short of exceptional. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Jim’s honor to The Kelly Family Fund for the Professional Development of Journey North, managed by Heritage Fund.
In keeping with his wishes, Jim will be cremated. A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. June 19, 2024, at Barkes, Weaver and Glick Funeral Home on Washington Street; Father Chris Wadelton will officiate. The celebration of life will live stream at barkesweaverglick.com. Family and friends may gather for a time of visitation from 12 p.m. until service time at the funeral home.
Condolences and special memories may be sent to the Kelly family and a video tribute may be seen at barkesweaverglick.com.
