James Thomas Kelly

James Thomas Kelly, 92, of  Houghton Lake passed away on Saturday December 13, 2025 at home surrounded by his loving family.

Jim was born on March 26, 1933 in Hale, Michigan to Edward and Ida (Thayer) Kelly. He grew up in the Houghton Lake area until entering the U.S. Army in 1953.  James served as a CPL (T) in the Army during the  Korean War. He was married to Florence I. Auten in 1959 and she preceded Jim in death in 1974.  He married Vicki S. Fox in Houghton Lake on September 14, 1985 and she preceded Jim in death in 2010. Jim worked as a Supervisor for General Motors for many years at the Buick Automotive Plant in Flint. Jim had spent most of his life living in the Elsie and Houghton Lake areas. He was a member of the Houghton Lake VFW and American Legion, along with the Houghton Lake Eagles. Jim was an avid pool player, bowler, and golfer.  He also had a passion for repairing and refurbishing lawn mowers of any size.

Surviving Mr. Kelly are his two daughters, Jeannette Rau of Durand, and SuAnn Kelly of Swartz Creek; two sons, Brian Kelly of Houghton Lake, and Rick Kelly of Brighton; two step-sons, Jeff (Kim) Ridsdale of Laingsburg, and Dean (Rosemary) Ridsdale of Laingsburg; fourteen grandchildren; thirty one great grandchildren; eight great great grandchildren; three sisters, Patty  Franek of TX, Kay Fullerton of Holt, and Sandra Rae of FL; two brothers, Ken (Carol) Kelly of Houghton Lake, and Larry (Jenny Lou) Lawrence of Houghton Lake; several nieces and nephews.  Jim was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Florence I. Kelly, second wife, Vicki S. Kelly, two sisters, Louise Burbank, and Peggy Wallington, two brothers, Dennis Kelly, and Ted Kelly. 

Funeral Services for James Thomas Kelly will be conducted at 11:00 am on Thursday December 18, 2025 from Christler Funeral Home-Houghton Lake Chapel with Pastor Steve Rau officiating. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery,  Elsie, MI. on Friday December 19, 2025 at 11:00am.  Visitation will be held on Wednesday December 17, 2025 from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Christler Funeral Home-Houghton Lake Chapel.  Memorial contributions in memory of James are asked to be directed to Houghton Lake Eagles. Christler Funeral Home, Houghton Lake Chapel is serving the family. Condolences can be sent to the family online at www.christler-holdship.com 

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