James “Jay” Kelly

James “Jay” Kelly, age 71, of Glendale Springs, NC, passed away on March 5, 2025. He was born in South Carolina on Wednesday, December 9, 1953 to the late Ernest and Rita Kelly. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, David Kelly, and his sister, Jessica Losh.

Jay is survived by his loving wife, Hope Kelly; sons, James Timothy Kelly, Jr., and Stephen Christopher Kelly, both of Fayetteville, and Holden River Kelly of the home; daughter, Tarah Kelly of Fayetteville; stepson, Joshua Packer of Glendale Springs; brothers, John, Jack, Steve, Mark, George, Greg, and Drew Kelly; sisters, Jennifer Kelly and Stacy Koop; grandchildren, Briana Kelly, Hailey Littleton, Alexis Higgins, Jeremy Kessler, and Jase Baker; two cherished great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

A proud veteran, Jay honorably served in the U.S. Marine Corps before building a successful career as the owner of Diamonds and Gold Inc. in Fayetteville, where he served his community for 45 years. After retiring to the North Carolina mountains, he discovered a new passion in the Glendale Springs Inn and Restaurant, where he found joy in hospitality and friendship.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the Glendale Springs Inn and Restaurant. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Ashelawn Memorial Chapel, with burial to follow in the Kelly Family Cemetery.  Mr. Kelly will lie in state from 12:00 -1:00 pm prior to service Thursday at Ashelawn Memorial Chapel

A memorial service will also be held in Fayetteville on a later date.

Flowers will be accepted, or memorial contributions may be made to Musicians Mission of Mercy, P.O. Box 1364, West Jefferson, NC 28694.

Jay will be remembered for his warmth, entrepreneurial spirit, and the love he shared with his family and friends.