Robert James "Jim" Kelly, Jr.

April 4, 2021

Robert James Kelly, Jr. ("Jim") of Charlotte, North Carolina, passed away April 4, 2021. He was born June 22, 1947, in Prattville, Alabama, to Robert J. Kelly and Ann Cooper Kelly. 

Jim was surrounded by a large and loving family. He married his best friend and high school sweetheart, Ginger Landers Kelly, on April 5, 1969. They have three incredible children: Jennifer Seferyn (Mike), Jackie Wheeler (James) and Tra Kelly (Sarah). Jim was also blessed with seven grandchildren: Sassy, Kylie and Cole-man Seferyn and Christian, Jackson, Jenna and June Wheeler. He is survived by four siblings: Mary Ann Miller (Charlie), Alice Gilliland (Ray), Gene Hagan (Dave), Pat Kelly (Amanda) and many nieces and nephews. 

Jim graduated from the University of Alabama in 1969 and soon after left to serve his country in the Army. Upon returning from Vietnam, he received his masters of accounting from UofA. From there, he worked at Price Waterhouse for 24 years before joining Family Dollar Stores, Inc. until his retirement. Jim was involved in numerous non-profit organizations throughout his life. 

Everyone who spent time with Jim described him as a wonderful mentor and great example of love, perseverance, patience, and generosity. His unbelievable work ethic and attentive, compassionate nature were unmatched. He worked tirelessly for his family but always made time to pour into those around him. His quick wit, Southern charm and twinkling blue eyes captured the hearts of everyone he met. 

As an avid University of Alabama supporter and die-hard fan, time stopped anytime a Bama game was on. Jim loved nothing more than traveling the world with his beloved wife and friends, long walks with his dogs, and time spent enjoying the views from his home in Blowing Rock. 

A memorial service will be held with limited seating at 11:00 AM on Friday, April 9th at Myers Park United Methodist Church, 1501 Queens Road, Charlotte, North Carolina 28207.  Please join the family via livestream https://livestream.com/mpumc/funeral.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Robert James Kelly, Jr. to the American Red Cross at 2425 Park Road, Charlotte, North Carolina 28203. Alternatively, donations can also be made to The Ann Cooper Kelly Memorial Endowed Scholarship for Education or The Robert and Virginia Kelly Family Endowed Scholarship for Nursing at Office of Advancement Services, G-14 Rose Administration Building, Box 870101, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35487.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC; 28204 (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.

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  • Dianne Liebe

    Ginger and Family,

    I am saddened by your loss. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. Always cherish the fond memories; they will sustain you through this
    very difficult time.

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  • Augustine Quattrocchi

    I am so sorry for your loss. I loved Jim's smile and he always made me feel welcomed when we would play bridge at your condo. And we shared a love of wine. He will be missed.

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  • Mike Seelig

    I have very fond memories of Jim going back to my early days at Price Waterhouse in Tampa. My first assignment was working for Jim on the Florida Tile (Sikes Corp) account in Lakeland. Over my 10 years there I learned much from Jim and so appreciated his mentorship and support. Fast forward 20 years and I ended up transferring to Charlotte - at that time Jim had moved on to Family Dollar but it was so fun to re-connect with Jim over lunch one day before he retired and to hear of his many plans for this next chapter in life. I'm sorry to hear of his passing, but know he created many great memories with his family and left a strong legacy in all his pursuits and adventures in life. My condolences to the family.

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  • Crissy Buchanan Carlisle

    Jim was my first true business mentor. I was a student at the University of Alabama who wanted to move to Charlotte after graduation because my fiance was there. While visiting my fiance in Charlotte in the summer of 1993, Jim took me to breakfast on a day when he was scheduled to be off just so he could meet me and ensure I knew I had a place at Price Waterhouse in Charlotte if I wanted it. From there, he took me under his wing so we could show everyone what an Alabama graduate could do. On the day he called me to his office to inform me that he was leaving for Family Dollar, he told me that he would still be watching out for me and that he had told our new office managing partner about me and how I wanted to be a Price Waterhouse Scholar and get my MBA. In 2000, I started my MBA at Duke on a scholarship from Price Waterhouse. Jim kept his promise even when he wasn't there. He always told me to keep my eyes and mind open to new opportunities. That advice has served me well over the past 26 years. As I sit in my office with tears in my eyes mourning the loss of this mentor, all I can think about is how much he meant to me, and he probably didn't even know it. We lost touch over the years...something I now regret. But, as believers, I know I'll have the chance to tell him face-to-face one day. To his family, I know my words are inadequate to comfort you right now. He was a great man. My prayer is that God will provide strength to you during this time, and that you know Jim's legacy is living on not only through all of you, but also through the lives of those he mentored through the years.

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  • Lidia Pawlowski

    My deepest, deepest condolences to whole family.

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  • JOHN DUDA JR

    Ginger, you and the family are in our thoughts and prayers.
    John and Catherine

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  • Larry and Dawn Roper

    Ginger and all the Kelly family, we are so sorry for your loss. We did not know Jim all that well, however we are close friends with Gene and Pat. We have enjoyed the many stories of Jim's travels and adventures. Our sincere condolences and prayers to all the family.

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  • Cynthia M Woodlief

    Oh my. This was so unexpected. Ginger, I lift you up for stamina and resilience during this difficult, sorrowful time. The Bama-game-time-stopping line from the obit resonated with me...he was such a fan. Also, those sparkling blue eyes. He was my teacher at my first PW continuing education in 1977, Tampa, "Level 1." A memorable line from a interesting lesson on fraud was "the guy started flashing some heavy cash." I bet it still comes to mind at least once a month. My heart aches for your loss. All hopes that you are surrounded by friends and family to help you walk through these difficult days. Hugs Hugs and Hugs.

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  • Ellen Leitch

    Ginger, I am so sorry for your loss the companionship of your husband. May God bless you to deal with the grief. It sounds like he was a wonderful person.

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  • Bobbie and Bill Herndon

    Ginger , as former neighbors , we want to share our condolences over the loss of your sweet husband , Jim. I remember your family when our children were young and in school. Please know that we share in your loss and send prayers of peace to you and your family during this time. We send our love to each of you.

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