James B. Kelly

James B. Kelly, joined our Lord on December 23, 2020.  James, who was affectionately known by his loved ones as Jim, was born to James Burton and Blanche Page Kelly on June 22, 1954 in San Antonio, Texas. Jim was preceded in death by both his parents and his only sibling, Rebecca Kelly.

Jim was a graduating member of the loudest and proudest Fightin’ Texas Aggie Class of ‘77.  While attaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance from Texas A&M, Jim served as a member of the Corps of Cadets. Jim initially started his professional career in insurance with Lloyds of London in London, England.  Eventually, Jim found his way back to Texas and a career that he was passionate about.  Jim, a detailed and meticulous person by nature, became one of the most respected landmen in all of Texas. Being a landman, afforded Jim the opportunity to engage in one of his favorite activities on a daily basis, interacting with people.  Jim never met a stranger and enjoyed all conversation regardless of the topic.

Jim married the love of his life, Sonia on April 5, 2001. Together, they raised two daughters, Briana and Kaitlin in Laredo, Texas which served as the principal location of his business, STX Petro Properties, LLC.  For 19 years, Jim and Sonia were more than happily married.  Jim was devoted to Sonia like no other from the very first day they met.  Forever thereafter, Sonia served as his North Star and guiding light while Briana and Kaitlin blessed his daily life as unyielding rays of sunshine.  It was known by all, without question or limits, that Jim loved his family, friends and all things Texas A&M especially Aggie Football.  Jim’s hobbies included shaking martinis for his friends as well as working harder than ever imaginable at his vacation home only to end each day on Lake Placid with a drink in one hand and that of his wife in the other. Jim gave back to the Laredo Community as an avid supporter of the Boys and Girls Club and board member.  Jim further supported educators and students alike in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math.  Jim was honored to serve on Texas A&M University’s Aggie STEM Board of Directors.  As the sun sets on Jim’s final Aggie football season and his favorite place on Lake Placid, he is mourned by many who can still see his infectious smile and hear the rattling of ice in the martini shaker, but most of all by his loving wife, Sonia and two daughters, Briana and Kaitlin.  Jim’s passing “left us with a heartache that cannot be healed, but our love for him leaves us with memories no one can steal.”

The family will gather on Monday, December 28, 2020 at Joe Jackson North Funeral & Cremation Services, 1410 Jacaman Rd., Laredo, TX 78041 at 6:00 p.m.  A Celebration of Life Service will commence at 7:00 p.m.

On Wednesday, December 30, 2020, family and friends will meet at 12:00 p.m. for a final farewell and prayer service at Callaway-Jones Funeral Home and Crematory, 3001 S. College Ave, Bryan, TX 77801.  The funeral procession will depart at 1:00 p.m. for Jim’s final ride to his place of rest at Bryan City Cemetery, 1111 N. Texas Ave, Bryan, TX 77803.

In lieu of flowers, the Kelly Family requests that donations be made in honor of James B. Kelly, Jr. to Aggie STEM.  By Mail:  Aggie STEM, c/o Dr. Robert M. Capraro, Professor and Co-Director, 4232 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-4232; checks payable to Aggie STEM memo: In Memory of Mr. James B. Kelly, Jr.

Online: http://aggiestem.tamu.edu; scroll down on the main web page to find the Memoriam of James B. Kelly, Jr.; click on the link for donation in his honor.

You may extend your condolences to the family electronically via his online obituary found online at: www.joejacksonfuneralchapels.com.