My Dad

My Dad

James McGirr Kelly
March 24, 1928-March 5, 2005

My dad was the fourth son of Lawrence and Ethel Kelly. My grandfather was a medical doctor and my grandmother was the neighborhood host to parties, card readings, Democratic Party discussions and friendly gossip.

He grew up in Philadelphia and it sounded as if they moved frequently to accommodate their financial situations.  It appeared as if Doc may not have been good with his money or maybe, like so many people of that time, the Depression reeked havoc on everyone for a long, long time. My father often mentioned the consequences of the Great Depression when he lamented about his blessings.

He attended Catholic grade school, Roman Catholic High School, the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Economics and Temple Law School.

He held a private practice on Chestnut Street. He was appointed to the PA Public Utility Commission in the 1970’s. He was Vice President of American Water Works for a short period of time.  He spent the last 23 years of his career as a Federal Judge in Philadelphia.  He worked up until the day he died.

He married my mother in 1952. They had six kids in 7 years and then 11 years later, they had a son, Brian, whom they raised so differently from the rest of us. He was a good friend to his in-laws and gave the eulogy at his father-in-law’s funeral.

He was adamant about his faith in the Catholic Church and the Republican Party. He was humorous, likeable and kind to everyone. The custodians, at the courthouse, commented that he greeted them with the same dignity as the other judges. He was generous with his time, money and words.

People just loved him.