James Donald Kelly, Jr. went through those “Pearly Gates,” as he would say, on Oct. 15, 2009. He was better known as “Shipwreck” by his friends in Oak Harbor.
J.D. was born in Hopkinsville, Ky. He joined the Navy in 1945 at the age of 20. He was assigned to the USS Aspero, USS Repose and the USS Chopper submarines as a diesel mechanic. He later worked at Greyhound in San Francisco as a mechanic.
He was married to Edna Fay Kelly from Oct. 16, 1961 to her death on Feb. 11, 2008. J.D. and Edna lived in Oak Harbor the last seven years to be near their daughter, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
J.D. was an active member of the American Legion. He loved to fish for “humpies” and was an avid gardener. Many of you enjoyed the fruits of his hobbies, as we did.
His family, Bob, Bill and Kevin Farnsworth; Jeremy and Katie Porter; and Kelvin, Kellie, Noah and Jonah Locklear would like to thank all who have taken the time to share your stories and memories with us.
He will be missed very much. Thank you for your prayers.