The family of John Jim Kelly sadly announces his passing on Friday, Oct. 9, 2009 at 10:35 a.m. at the age of 70.
He passed away peacefully at the Emo Health Centre in Emo, Ont. with his loving family by his side. True to his character, he rallied courageously against his ailments and illnesses.
He was born Thursday, Oct. 13, 1938 at Crow Lake, Ont. to the late Harry and Mary Kelly.
He was predeceased by his beloved daughter, Janice; brothers, Eddie, Jim H., George, and Robert Bobby Kelly; sisters, Victoria and Alice; and in-laws, John, Stanley, Thomas, Joe, and Louise.
John Jim is survived by his wife, Catherine, daughters, Yvonne and Thelma (Derek), and grandson, Jessie John, all of the Ojibways of Onigaming First Nation.
Also leaving to cherish his loving memory is grandson Sheldon, along with wife, Sarah, and his pride and joy, his two great-grandchildren, Sheldon Jr. and Samantha of Couchiching First Nation.
He also is survived by brother, Colin Kelly of Kenora, Ont. and Juanita Jourdain Kelly of Couchiching First Nation; sister, Mary Kelly, and sisters-in-law, Corrine Kelly and Delores Kelly, all of Onigaming First Nation; brother-in-law, Paul Indian (Heather) of Thunder Bay, Ont.; and sisters-in-law, Dorothy Indian of Kenora, Ont. and Leslie Cameron of Thunder Bay, Ont.
Sadly, John also will be missed by numerous nieces, nephews, in-laws, cousins, and friends who all admired this strong-hearted man.
He married his loving wife, Catherine, on Nov. 10, 1959.
He attended residential school from 1945-55 at St. Mary’s School in Kenora. He spent his life residing in Onigaming, and was employed as a carpenter, guide, trapper, and medical driver.
He was a previous band councillor and provided leadership for his community. He believed in people being treated with respect and fairness.
Throughout his life, he worked hard commercial fishing, hunting, and trapping to provide a good life for his family. It was important to him to provide for the needs of his family. These are some of the valued teachings and skills he leaves behind.
He also enjoyed visiting casinos for entertainment and watching hockey.
He was a kind and resolute man who enjoyed time spent with his family and friends. He took special pride in Jessie’s singing and drumming, and Sheldon’s athletic skills and achievements.
In his later years, John Jim took special joy in spending time with his great-grandchildren who always brought out that special smile we will always cherish.
A wake was held Monday, Oct. 12, 2009 at the Onigaming gymnasium.
John Jim was looking forward to being with his family on his birthday of Oct. 13. Keeping with his wishes, family and friends took special attention to share in a celebration of his birthday as part of the funeral services. This includes loved ones who passed on.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2009 at noon at the Onigaming gymnasium, with Elder Issac Mandamin officiating. Elder Fred Kelly Sr. provided a moving honourary memorial.
Interment took place at the Onigaming Cemetery.
The pallbearers were Josh Kelly, Stacey Kelly, David Charlie Kelly, Chris Kelly, Derek Kelly, Doug Kelly, Tyson Kelly, and Brian Indian.
The honourary pallbearers were Frank Tom, Fred Kelly Sr., Peter Kelly, Gus Copenace, Larry Indian, John Copenace, Leonard Morrison, and Joe Seymour.
If you so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to either the Canadian Cancer Society or the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario c/o Green Funeral Home, P.O. Box 427, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8.
Online condolences may be made offered at www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
