James Francis Kelly went to be with the Lord on Thursday afternoon, January 26, 2023. He was born on October 4, 1960 to James Joseph Kelly and Marilou Morrell-Kelly in Park Ridge, Illinois.  James was a loving father, brother, uncle, friend, and horseman.

James graduated from St. Charles High School, where he played varsity baseball & was a member of FFA. He later moved to Tucson, Arizona, where he attended his alma-mater- The University of Arizona for their Racetrack Industry Program. James spent many years at the famous ranch nestled in the Catalina Foothills. It was here several memories & life-long friends were made.

During his time in Catalina, he married Patricia Baca-Jelks, and welcomed their first daughter, Melissa.

He then sold the ranch in Catalina & moved to the beautiful mountains of Sonoita. It was here that they welcomed two daughters, Elena and Geneva & gained a son Cayden through his marriage to Staci Honnas-White.

James had a successful career in the Quarter horse racing industry that spanned over several decades. He was known for his "quality over quantity" program. After countless wins, track records & hall of fame worthy horses, such as Lawyersgunsandmoney & Cool Papa Bell, James was elected to the Arizona Quarter Horse Racing Hall of Fame himself in 2011. The pinnacle of James' success was a gelding named Mars Blackman, the 1995 AQHA World Champion gelding.

Upon his semi-retirement from racing, James enjoyed spending time skiing in Park City, Utah, visiting his sister Laura in Carmel Valley, CA, & spending time with his daughters in Texas. He also loved time spent discussing aviation with his son Cayden and partnering with his son in law on racehorses.

Survivors include 3 daughters; Melissa Kelly of Thorndale TX, Elena Kelly-Kiehne, & husband Chance of Santo TX, Geneva Kelly-Robertson and husband Cooper of Lipan TX; One son, Cayden Smith of Vail AZ; Two sisters, Laura Kelly-Horoween & husband Skip of Chicago IL, Kathleen Kelly; 3 grandchildren, Evan, Julian, Castiel and countless friends he regarded as family.

He is preceded in death by his parents, James & Marilou.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made through the Arizona Quarter Racing Association (AQRA) in James' name.