of Conway, AR
July 31, 1943 - January 27, 2025
James Francis Kelly, 81, of Conway, Arkansas passed away on January 27, 2025. He was born on July 31, 1943 in Rutland, Vermont to TJ and Rita Kelly.
Jim Kelly, a loving husband, supportive father and legendary swim coach, left this world on January 27, 2025. A gifted storyteller, Jim never met a stranger-his charm and generosity made everyone he encountered feel like a friend and he left a lasting impression on all who crossed his path. Jim's infectious personality and unshakable faith were the foundation of a life dedicated to his family, his community and the athletes he coached.
Jim earned a degree in Physical Education while swimming at St. Bonaventure University in Olean, NY and later pursued a master's degree from Springfield College in Springfield, MA.
For over four decades, Jim's career as a coach and educator was marked by extraordinary success and a profound impact on those he mentored. In 1977, he was named Coach of the Year after leading Potsdam to victory in the SUNYAC Championship. Jim's ability to rebuild the Potsdam swimming program, which had lost three All-American swimmers, is still remembered fondly today. With his blend of science-based training and motivational leadership, Jim led his athletes to victory, often by entering them in the toughest events, like the 1650, 400 IM and 200 fly-events that required the kind of superior conditioning and resilience he cultivated in them. His swimmers remember him not only for his coaching expertise but for the humor, warmth and friendship he offered every day.
After Potsdam, Jim continued to shape the next generation of swimmers at Appalachian State University and then spent 31 years coaching both the men's and women's teams at Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas. During his time at Hendrix, he earned numerous accolades, including being named the Arkansas Intercollegiate Conference Coach of the Year three times and the New South Intercollegiate Swim League Coach of the Year once. He coached 80 All-Americans and was deeply involved in the local community through the Hendrix Aquakids and as a professor of kinesiology.
In recognition of his many contributions, Jim was inducted into the Hendrix College Warriors Hall of Honor in 2005 and he was eagerly anticipating his induction into the Potsdam College Sports Hall of Fame in 2025, as coach of the 1977-78 Swimming and Diving Team.
Beyond his coaching achievements, Jim was a devoted man of faith. He was a proud parishioner of St. Joseph Parish in Conway, where he attended weekly Bible studies with Men of Faith and Forged, and was an active member of the Knights of Columbus. His faith was a cornerstone of his life, guiding him in his personal and professional relationships. Jim was also passionate about teaching others to swim-his Learn to Swim programs that introduced countless people in Conway to the water and it's no exaggeration to say that he taught most of the town how to swim.
Jim is survived by his loving wife, Margaret Kelly; his children, Krista (Paul) Huse, McKenna, Lexi and Calvin; Sean (Bess) Kelly, Alayna; Brian (Hilary) Kelly, Ella, Fiona, Finn; Kevin (Becky) Kelly, Jack and his sister, Maureen Hnatkovich. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Visitation will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, January 31st at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Conway, followed by the Rosary at 10:30 am and the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am.
Entombment will take place at Blessed Virgin Mary Mausoleum in St. Joseph Cemetery, Conway.
To order a DVD copy of this video memorial, please contact our funeral home at + 15013277727.
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26 Condolence(s)
Stephen "Mitch" Micciche
Thursday, February 20, 2025
I am sorry to be late to this tribute, but I could not miss the opportunity to add my deepest condolences to the entire family and the many friends who will miss him dearly. Coach Kelly meant a lot to me. In the pool, on the soccer field and even after hours, he was more than a coach. He was a friend and mentor. I was lucky to be on both Soccer and Swim Teams from '74 - '78. The 1977 Championships were a gift Jim gave to us all. As was true when he was with us, Jim will always bring a smile to everyone's face.
Retha Fausett
Saturday, February 1, 2025
Robyn I know you will miss him dearly. He has finished God’s plan for him. God will help you to continue yours. Friends are here for you always.
Love you girl, Retha
Becky Thornton
Friday, January 31, 2025
I am so sorry for your loss. Jim was such a good man and a wonderful coach.
Becky Thornton
Steve and Julie Greshowak
Friday, January 31, 2025
Both our daughters attended Hendrix and were members of the swim and dive team. We had many meals and conversations with Coach Kelly. He would smile and make us feel welcome and always had a great story to share. We will always be grateful to Coach Kelly for the guidance and support he gave to our daughters during their years at Hendrix, both in the pool and out. He made a difference in their lives. Our sympathies go out to his family.
Rob Passwwaters
Friday, January 31, 2025
I knew Jim when working at Camp Ozark Jim will be miss
Susie Freyaldenhoven
Friday, January 31, 2025
Robyn and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Jim was such a kind and friendly man. What an incredible legacy he left on his students. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
John & Katrina Abbott
Friday, January 31, 2025
Our hearts are broken. Jim was one of a kind. We always loved his stories. Those stories reflected his love for his family, community, and church. Robyn our deepest condolences to you and your family. Will miss him so much.
Jill (Greshowak) Piro
Friday, January 31, 2025
I am forever grateful for the influence Coach Kelly had in my life. He was an amazing mentor and treated our team like family during a time in our lives that shaped us as individuals. I will always remember his kindness and support and the joy he brought to those around him. Sending my love to his family and community.
Sharron Russell
Friday, January 31, 2025
Coach Kelly was a great person and always had a smile on his face. I had a great visit with him on New Year's Day catching up on things going on at Hendrix. My office was on his path home each day and it was such a pleasure to visit with him. Prayers for all of you, he will be greatly missed.
Pamela Avaltroni and family
Friday, January 31, 2025
Dear Robyn and family,
Sending you our prayers, thoughts, and deepest sympathy during this time of great grief.
Jim and you, Robyn, added so much to our lives as we navigated our children through High School.
God bless you all. Amen.
Pam, Alex, Meagan, Sam and Sadie, and Kelly
Mary Cantrell
Friday, January 31, 2025
Jim was a jewel in the Village at Hendrix! He was one of the first to meet us when we moved in and always had a kind word to say to everyone. May his memory be eternal.
Deacon Richard (and Andrea) Papini
Friday, January 31, 2025
Jim was such a Joy to be around, especially at Men of Faith. He always had great insights to the Sunday Scripture Readings and was always so friendly and had such a welcoming and blessed smile (even when he was battling his cancer). I loved hearing his coaching stories from the different schools that he coached. I will miss him (and his welcoming smile) so much. May God bless Robyn and all the members of Jim's family with the peace and consolation of Christ.
BRIAN WEISCHEDEL
Friday, January 31, 2025
My first year swimming at Potsdam was his last year coaching there. I was one of those swimmers that he trained for the 1650, 200 fly and 400 IM. I remember thinking many times during practice, "why can't I just be a sprinter and not have to swim all this yardage!" Well, it paid off at SUNYAC championships, and coach Kelly was the first to congratulate me and give me a high 5 before I even got out of the pool after swimming my events. He was a great coach, motivator and encourager. He will surely be missed.
Linda Morey and family
Friday, January 31, 2025
Robyn and family...So very sorry about the loss of Jim. He was a very special, kind and honorable man. Our family will always cherish memories of "Christmas night gatherings and family friendships". With love and prayers, Linda and family
Jackie Harrell
Thursday, January 30, 2025
Robin and family,
Coach Kelly was a kind man and definitely had the best smile. We will be keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers. Much love
Marilyn Dail
Thursday, January 30, 2025
Coach Kelly thanks for teaching my kids how to swim! You were the best! I will sure miss seeing your smile at mass. Robyn and family my heart felt condolences to all of you. You are in my prayers. May God bless you and help you through this sad time.
Debbie Allison
Thursday, January 30, 2025
Robyn and family, I’m sad to hear of Jim’s passing. I have good memories of your family as we were raising our children. Prayers for comfort and peace as you grieve this great loss.
Christine Seefeld
Thursday, January 30, 2025
Robin and family, it saddens me to hear of Jim's passing. Our family remembers Coach Kelley as a passionate and kind swim coach and mentor.
Anthony Fillippino
Thursday, January 30, 2025
I enjoyed the numerous stories of his life. Everyone in the swim community loves you.
Paul Young
Thursday, January 30, 2025
I'm shocked to hear of Jim's passing! He was a regular at Men of Faith where he always contributed much to the discussion and Knights of Columbus where he was a regular at our monthly meetings. He will surely be missed!
Debbie Lipscomb
Thursday, January 30, 2025
Coach Kelly always made me feel special. He always call me his favorite chef. I’m going to miss him very much. Praying for his family and friends
Debbie Eckert
Thursday, January 30, 2025
Robin and family, Jim was all that was stated and more! Kenny and I are sending our prayers and heartfelt sympathy.
Linda Waytenick
Thursday, January 30, 2025
I will miss his smile, his voice, the stories but most of all the prayers we prayed for each other. Aloha my friend; the heavenly host will be enjoy those wonderful stories.
Laura Hiegel-Williams
Thursday, January 30, 2025
Always a nice kind man! Will always remember him as the one who taught us all swim lessons. We will miss him.
Prayers for Mrs Kelley and family.
Jacqueline Kordsmeier
Thursday, January 30, 2025
What a wonderful man we lost this week. My love and prayers to Robyn and the family. Sure will miss his smile.
Kathy W Kordsmeier
Thursday, January 30, 2025
Dear Robyn and family, you are all in my prayers for comfort and peace as you grieve the loss of your husband, father, and grandfather. Jim's life has left an indelible mark on each of your lives and it will never fade over time. The Lord is my Shepherd, i shall not want. He leads to lie down in green pastures.
With all my respect,
Kathy Kordsmeier