James Joseph Kelly III, 65, of Bourbon, Missouri passed away on June 15, 2025.

Jim was born on September 26, 1959 in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania to James J. Kelly Jr and the late Joyce Harding Kelly. He graduated from Naperville North High School in Naperville, IL in 1977 before matriculating at Eastern Illinois University, where he studied business administration.  His 40-year career focused on the commercial lending and banking business, where his pursuit of "the deal" was always in his sights.

Jim was a beloved husband, father, son, brother, uncle and friend who will be remembered for his kindness, love of family, and teasing wit. His wife of 9 years, Midge Greenberg Kelly, also passed away with Jim on June 15th. He is survived by his beloved daughter, Shannon Kelly Fike (Ryan) of Elmhurst, IL, his father James Joseph Kelly (Nell) of Suwanee, GA, his stepdaughter Kalin Haiduc (Michael) and their son Jackson of St. Louis, his sisters Karen Kelly Stoner (John) of Vero Beach, FL, Kristina Kelly Boyle (Mark) of Yorkville, IL, Kathleen Kelly Radi (Doug) of Arvada, CO, his brother Richard Patrick Kelly (Carol) of Golden, CO, his mother-in-law Barbara Joy Colbert of Lake Chapala Jalisco, Mexico, his brother-in-law Jay Herbert Greenberg (Sally) of Mill Valley, CA, and many nieces and nephews.

Jim spent most of his adult life in the Chicago area before moving to St. Louis in 2007.  After many years in the city, Jim and Midge moved west to greener pastures and thoroughly embraced the country life. Known for his outgoing personality, Jim enjoyed a wide and varied group of friends whom he loved to regale with a good story while cooking up a delicious meal.  Jim treasured spending time with his large extended family, playing innumerable rounds of golf with family and friends, cheering on his favorite sports teams, specifically the Chicago Cubs and Chicago Blackhawks, and caring for their many animals on the homestead he shared with his beloved wife, Midge. But Jim's pride and joy was his cherished daughter, Shannon.  His proudest moments over the years were watching her compete in horseshows, seeing her  graduate from college, and most of all, walking Shannon down the aisle on her wedding day in 2023. Jim's larger-than-life personality, combined with his discreet generosity and quiet thoughtfulness will be greatly missed by so many.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (website OCRAHope.org) in loving memory of Jim's Mother or to the Open Door Animal Sanctuary (website ODAS.org).  Friends and family are invited to visitation at Ortmann-Stipanovich Funeral Home in Creve Coeur, Missouri on June 26, 2025 from 11 to 2 pm, followed by a funeral service at 2 pm.

Ortmann Stipanovich Funeral Home
www.osfuneralhomes.com