John James Kelly

John James Kelly, the son of Geraldine (Roberts) and James Kelly, was born on July 11, 1947, in San Bernardino, California. He grew up in California and discovered early on the value of hard work, starting his working life at the age of 16 with a variety of jobs.

In August of 1967, John was united in marriage to Sue Kelly. Two children were born to this union, Brenda and Jason. The family made their home in Chino, California, where they raised hogs and John worked at a repair shop. In 1973, adventure called, and the family packed up and headed to Iowa. During a blizzard, no less, with no heat in the car and a memorable detour into a ditch along the way. Once they finally arrived, they settled into a farmhouse north of Kiron, where life was filled with geese, ducks, chickens, horses, and plenty of hard work.

After several years on the farm, the family moved to Denison, beginning a long and productive chapter of buying, fixing up, and selling homes. Many of these homes still stand as a testament to John’s skills and determination. After 14 years of marriage, John and Sue went their separate ways. John was baptized at Pioneer Baptist Church in Denison, Iowa. He later became a dedicated member at Kiron First Baptist Church.

On August 10,1985, John and Cheryl were married on the deck at their home in Deloit. John enjoyed hunting, camping, fishing, boating, swimming, traveling, building, woodworking, playing with his great-grandchildren, and serving the Lord. His love of children led him into foster parenting. In the 25 years of being a foster parent he touched over 120 children and teens. While doing foster care John added 3 rooms to the house and remodeled most of the other rooms. He also built a 2 car garage and a shop for all his tools.

John excepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior at Pioneer Baptist Church in Denison IA where he was baptized and later became a deacon. One of the privileges of being a deacon was getting to baptized 2 of his granddaughters when they asked Jesus into their lives. Another was having to take his turn giving the message on Sunday mornings and leading Wednesday night service while the church was without a Pastor. Later he joined Kiron First Baptist Church where he served the Lord till his passing.

John worked at IBP for 20 years before switching to Farmland Foods for the next 20 years. After his retirement in 2009 John found work at the Dairy Queen in Denison and at Kiron Baptist church. John served as mayor of Deloit for several terms and was also on the city council in Deloit several years. John will be remembered for his laughter, his love of a good story and his love and dedication to his family and his Lord. And nobody will forget those big tight hugs!

John passed away at his home in Deloit, Iowa on Thursday, January 29, 2026, attaining the age of 78 years, 6 months, and 18 days. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Geraldine Kelly and siblings, Kathy and Mike.

He is survived by his wife, Cheryl Kelly of Deloit, IA; children, Brenda Crouch of Deloit, IA, Tina (Ron Becker) Wayland of Exira, IA, Angela Robbins of Carroll, IA, Jason (Amanda) Kelly of Denison, IA, Jaide (Justin) Johannsen of Kiron, IA, Taylar Henson of Kiron, IA, Jaycee (Cristian) Fuentes of Denison, IA, Madison (Dylan Tornow) Robbins of Ute, IA, Jade Dennis of Denison; 16 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; brother-in-law Bill Johnson of Pacific Junction, IA.