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Obituary
Dr. James “Jim” Russel Kelly, age 83, of Stratford, passed away on Saturday, November 11, 2023 at Stratford General Hospital. Born in Dunnville, ON, son of the late Dorian and Florence (Root) Kelly. Proud and loving husband and father to wife Grace, daughter Suzanne McIlroy (Sean), wife Suzanne (McMillan), sons Baird and Liam (Anne-Sofie).
Dear brother to Allen Kelly (Ann) children Kerry Ann Weaver, Michael, Shannon Lee Kelly, Steven. Brother John Kelly (Marie) sons Brett, Paul, Richard. Sister Patricia Leigh (Ross) and children Chris Finlay, Dean Finlay, Kathleen Finlay. Sister Mary Kelly (Garry) sons Gannon, Morgan McCauley.
Dr. Kelly graduated from the University of Toronto in 1964 and started a private practice in Stratford. Jim then left to live in Lahr, West Germany for five years (‘82 – ‘87), working as a dentist in charge of the Canadian Forces Base Lahr Civilian Dental Clinic. During his time in Europe, he completed many Volksmarches (10-40 Km hikes) all over Germany and surrounding countries. Jim achieved the prestigious title of Master World Loppeter by completing 10 cross country ski marathons (8 Europe, 1 Canada, 1 USA). Each XC ski race required completion of 60-100 km distance in one day. He was a keen member of the Upper Rhine Valley Oenophile Society (URVOS) in Germany.
Upon return he continued private practice in Stratford to which he worked many years prior to selling. Since selling, Jim continued to work as an associate in four different private practices. He retired in September 2023 after practicing dentistry for 59 years.
Jim was a terrific all-sport athlete at Dunnville High School and all these years later people still recall his prowess on the track or kicking the football. He stayed in touch with many from Dunnville and his Grade 13 class. It should be mentioned that Ellen Lochead, Marlene Putman Knight, Ron “the whipper sheriff” & Shirley Watson all had a fantastic weekend around the performance of Chicago last year at the Stratford Festival. The “Thirsty Mates” invite one and all to have one for Jim.
Jim held a Governor spot on the Ontario Dental Association Board, was President of the Stratford District Dental Society, and was a trustee on the Perth County Board of Education for two terms. He was an avid badminton player in his early years in Stratford. Later, he played golf and squash at the Stratford Country Club and was often seen jogging around the Avon River. He read often during lunch breaks and was an excellent puzzler, traveler and downhill skier who was fortunate enough to ski at every major European resort as well as those in Western Canada and Quebec. Furthermore, Jim was a player in the “One Club, Two Club” Bridge Club started with close friends: Ian Garner, Bill Hildenbrand, Perry Hill, Steve Monteith and Scott Wilson.
The family would like to sincerely thank all the doctors, nurses and staff of St. Marys Memorial Hospital, St Mary’s General Hospital and Stratford General Hospital for all of your care over the years.
A Celebration of Jim’s life will take place in the spring of 2024 and will be announced through the W. G. Young Funeral Home, 430 Huron St, Stratford. As expressions of sympathy memorial donations may be made to the Stratford Shakespearean Festival or Stratford Summer Music through the funeral home. www.wgyoungfuneralhome.com
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December 7 1939
November 11 2023
Death notice for the town of: Stratford, Province: Ontario
death notice Jim Kelly December 7 1939
November 11 2023
obituaries notice Jim Kelly December 7 1939
November 11 2023
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Jim Kelly December 7 1939
November 11 2023 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
