James Thomas Kelly Obituary
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of James Thomas Kelly of Houghton Lake, Michigan, who passed away on December 13, 2025, at the age of 92, leaving to mourn family and friends. Family and friends are welcome to leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family.
He was predeceased by: his parents, Edward Kelly and Ida Kelly (Thayer); his former wife Florence I. Auten; his wife Vicki S. Fox; and his siblings, Louise Burbank, Peggy Wallington, Dennis Kelly and Ted Kelly.
He is survived by: his children, Jeannette Rau of Durand, Sue Ann Kelly of Swartz Creek, Brian Kelly of Houghton Lake and Rick Kelly of Brighton; his stepsons, Jeff Ridsdale (Kim) of Laingsburg and Dean Ridsdale (Rosemary) of Laingsburg; and his siblings, Patty Franek, Kay Fullerton of Holt, Sandra Rae, Ken Kelly (Carol) of Houghton Lake and Larry Lawrence (Jenny Lou) of Houghton Lake. He is also survived by fourteen grandchildren; thirty one great grandchildren; eight great great grandchildren.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 17th 2025 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Christler Funeral Home- Houghton Lake Chapel (6651 W Houghton Lake Dr, Houghton Lake, MI 48629). A funeral service will be held on Thursday, December 18th 2025 at 11:00 AM at the same location. A burial will be held on Friday, December 19th 2025 at 11:00 AM at the Riverside Cemetery.
Memorial contributions in memory of James are asked to be directed to Houghton Lake Eagles.
