Portland - PORTLAND - James E. Kelly, 85, husband of the late Barbara Knauer, died peacefully Friday, Sept. 14, 2012. He was born June 23, 1927, in Rumford, the youngest son of Anna (Anderson) and William S. Kelly.

Jim graduated from Stephens High School, Rumford, class of 1945. He was a star basketball and baseball player during those years. He attended the University of Maine at Farmington until he entered the U.S. Army. Jim retired from U.S. Customs Service. He was a member of St. Pius the X Church, Portland. He enjoyed family reunions at Roxbury Pond and playing cards. Jim was known for his sense of humor and great stories.

He was predeceased by his wife; and son-in-law, Glenn Strange. Survivors include his children, James M. Kelly and partner, Priscilla McHale, of Gorham, Kathy Strange of Portland, Stephen Kelly and wife, Linda, of Gorham, Paul Kelly and wife, Lynne, of Portland, Maureen Smith and husband, Ralph, of Westbrook, Jane Conroy and husband, Ed, of Dover-Foxcroft, John Kelly of Vietnam, and Robert Kelly of Portland; grandchildren, Aaron and Anna Strange, Sarah Carrier, Michael Kelly, Kelly Smith, Joshua, Elizabeth and Ali Conroy; stepgrandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Jim leaves many special friends throughout the years. The family wishes to give a special thank you to the Mercy Hospital staff, especially Mercy Cardiology as well as the staff at Gosnell Hospice House.

Visitation will be 8:30-10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 19, at Dolby & Dorr Funeral Chapel, 76 State St., Gorham. A Mass of Christian burial will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. Pius the X Church, 492 Ocean Ave., Portland. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery, South Portland. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Sister of Mercy of the Americas, 15 Highland View Road, Cumberland, RI 02864-1124; or Westbrook Animal Refugee League, P.O. Box 336, Westbrook, ME 04098. Online condolences may be sent to

www.dolbyfuneralchapels.com.