Thursday, 4:30 PM
Statements of condolence after James M. Kelly's death
Statement of James M. Kelly, Jr.:
"My father, Councilor James M. Kelly, passed away at 4:19 a.m. today. He was 66. He died after a lengthy battle with colon cancer.
"My father had been under hospice care at his home for the last 5 days. He was surrounded by his family and his close friends.
"Details of services will be announced when completed. Arrangements will be handled by the O’Brien Funeral Home in South Boston.
As he struggled with this disease the last few years, my father was enormously grateful for the outpouring of love and affection from his friends and neighbors. Our family was comforted by the obvious joy these messages brought to our ailing father.
"My father gave his life to public service. He and our whole family were deeply thankful for the countless expressions of prayer and support that we received.
"And now, during this difficult time we ask that our privacy be respected."
Statement of Boston City Council President Maureen E. Feeney:
"He was a tireless advocate for his district, a loyal and kindhearted friend, and a true son of South Boston. He fought this last battle with the same conviction and resolve that we saw every day on the Council.
"Jimmy was a friend and a mentor to me and I will miss him dearly. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family."
Statement of Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino:
"My thoughts and prayers go out at this time to the family and friends of Councilor James Kelly.
"Councilor Kelly served the neighborhoods and the City of Boston for over 20 years and his experience and the dedication will be missed within City Hall.
"A lifelong resident of South Boston, his commitment and loyalty to the people he served was obvious during the years as City Councilor.
"He was a true gentlemen, a man of his word whose convictions always came from the heart.
"Jimmy Kelly was a friend of mine and will be greatly missed by all."
Statement of Raymond L. Flynn, former Mayor of Boston and U.S. Ambassador:
"Jim Kelly and I have known each other our entire lives. We went to school together. We played football together at Southie High.
"We worked together for better neighborhoods and yes, we often strongly disagreed on issues. But he was my friend and we shared family events, weddings and graduations together. Jimmy gave it his all.
"From his union advocacy, his staunch conservative principles, to his fierce family loyalty, Jim Kelly was one of a kind. He will be missed."
Statement of Boston City Councilor Michael F. Flaherty:
"Jim's loyalty and commitment to family, friends, and his beloved South Boston is unmatched. You cannot quantify how many people and families Jimmy Kelly helped over the years."
Statement of state Senate President Robert E. Travaglini:
"Jimmy Kelly was a personal friend and someone who my family and I cared about deeply. His loyalty to his community, the depth of his convictions and his numerous political achievements will forever serve as the measure of a successful public servant."
Statement of state Senator Jack Hart:
"Jim Kelly has been a mentor and role model for me in 2 ways; he always demonstrated a tireless work ethic and always stood up for what he believed in.
"The City of Boston and his hometown of South Boston have lost a fine public servant. His distinctive voice will be missed by the elderly, the disenfranchised, the working class, veterans, union members and all the people in his district. They have lost a true hero. I will miss him dearly and offer my thoughts and prayers to his family."
Statement of Governor Deval Patrick:
"On this sad day my thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Jimmy Kelly. He was a passionate advocate for his beloved neighborhood and constituents. His dedication to public service was unquestioned. By his example, he had a lot to teach us all."
