James Edgar Kelly Jr.

James Edgar Kelly, Jr., of Huntsville, Texas, was born on August 9, 1938, in Huntsville, and passed away on May 21, 2026, also in Huntsville. He was preceded in death by his parents, James Edgar and Delia Ashby Kelly of Huntsville, Texas. He graduated from Huntsville High School in 1956 and went on to attend Sam Houston State University, where he graduated in 1961 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business and Economics. During his time at Sam Houston, he was a charter member of the Kappa Alpha Order in 1961. Throughout his life, he was active in numerous organizations and community groups. He was a member of Fairbanks Lodge 1363, a Scottish Rite Mason, a Schreiner at the Tomball Schreiner Club, a member of the Cy-Fair Lions Club, the Cy-Fair Chamber of Commerce, and the Pipefitters Local Union 2211. He also served in the National Guard. He was the owner of Kelly Air Conditioning and Heating in Cypress, Texas, beginning in 1971 — affectionately referred to by family as Kelly Air Conditioning, World Headquarters. He also proudly held the honorary title of Number One Employee at Boots to Bags, a lighthearted nod to his humor and personality. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Huntsville and also a member of Christ the King Methodist Church in Huntsville, Texas. An avid fisherman, he once caught the biggest catfish in Elkins Lake. He was a member of the NRA and a strong defender of the Second Amendment. He loved to give advice, was always prepared for worst case scenarios, and carried a mischievous streak — the class clown who was always pulling off some sort of shenanigans. As good as he was, he could be just as ornery, and his family loved him for it. He enjoyed good food, naps, and looking forward to the next meal even before finishing the one in front of him. Watching the Food Network was one of his simple pleasures. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Sally Kelly; his daughters, Marti Perkins and Susan McGuire; and his son in law, Monte McGuire. He is also survived by his loving sister, Jean Clepper, and her husband, Bobby Clepper. His grandchildren include Brendan McGuire and his wife, Caroline, Shelby Perkins, and Regan McGuire. His great grandchildren are Calvin McGuire and Baker McGuire. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, along with numerous former employees, coworkers, and friends whose lives he touched over the years. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you give to someone in need in your community, honoring the quiet generosity he showed throughout his life. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, May 31, 2026 at Christ the King Methodist Church in Huntsville, TX, at 2:00 PM.

James Edgar Kelly Jr.

August 9, 1938 - May 21, 2026