James W. Kelly |
| Posted 2008-04-28 by Judy Wight Branson |
| Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona Monnday, April 28, 2008 James W. Kelly, 82 of Prescott, Ariz., born Aug. 7, 1926, in Gracemont, Okla., passed away April 24, 2008. He is survived by his wife of 56 years Effie “Kit” (Pemberton) Kelly, and numerous nieces and nephews. No services are planned. Jim worked in the short-line railroad industry all of his life starting part time while in Denver’s West High School as a part-time messenger in 1942. In 1943, he quit high school to join the Navy during WWII, and became a Yeoman (clerk) assigned to VR180, Alameda Naval Air Station, California, until discharged after the war in 1945. He returned to finish high school and continued to work part time for the Burlington Railroad in Denver, Colo. In 1946 after high school graduation, he continued with the Burlington R.R., working as a claims agent, division clerk and chief clerk until 1952. After his marriage to Kit on Sept. 28 1952, Jim moved to the Great Western Railroad into jobs of increasing responsibility including supervisor of operations, transportation assistant general manager and finally vice president. He stayed with Great Western R.R. until it was sold in 1978, and then moved to Kyle Railways of San Diego, Calif. He assumed the managership for the California Western Railroad in Fort Bragg, Calif., better known as “The Skunk Line” Railroad (named for the distinct odor produced by the steam engines). In 1982, he was sent to Oxford, Miss., by the company president to take over and rebuild an old and dilapidated railroad between Oxford and Bolivar, Tenn. Starting from scratch, he purchased three diesel engines, 200 flat cars, 50 boxcars, hired employees, reconstructed a Civil War-era warehouse to use as the office center and depot, and started normal twice-a-day service between the cities … all in 30 days! His title changed to Vice President and General Manager for the Natchez-Trace Railroad. A determined and hands-on manager, it was not beneath him to drive the locomotives and supervise rail repairs should circumstances dictate. He remained in that position until his retirement in 1986. To quote the 1950s song: “He knew how to build a railroad, and make it run.” Jim and Kit missed the West, and moved from Oxford to Prescott, Ariz., in 1993. He enjoyed diversified interests including hunting and fishing, travel (visited all 50 states), competitive rifle and pistol shooting (numerous state and national wins), amateur radio operator (became a member of the Prescott amateur radio emergency services, [A.R.E.S.]), and became an accomplished decorative wood turner. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his name to The American Lung Association, 61 Broadway, New York, N.Y. 10006 Information provided by survivors. |
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