Lakeland, GA - Jimmy Richard "Jim" Kelly, 81, of Lakeland, Georgia, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, July 27, 2025. Born on January 24, 1944, in Pell City, Alabama, he was the son of the late Roscoe A. Kelly and Jeanette Kelly Morris.

Jim dedicated many years of his life to serving others — both through his career and his community. He worked as a communication technician with AT&T for 45 years, where his strong work ethic and commitment earned the respect of colleagues and friends. A devoted public servant, he was a fully state-certified registered volunteer firefighter, serving faithfully with the Lakeland-Lanier Fire Department from 1974 until 2024 — a remarkable 50-year tenure. He was also an active and faithful member of Lakeland Methodist Church, where he served in many capacities including Sunday School teacher. He was the 2024 "Flatlander of the Year" honoring his years of service to his community.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Joseph Tillman, Sr., stepfather, William Morris, and father-in-law and mother-in-law: Ed and Esta McLaughlin.

Jim leaves behind his beloved wife of almost 62 years, Julia Kelly of Lakeland, Georgia; three children: Carole Kadet (Brian) of Tampa, Florida, Pam Tillman of Hahira, Georgia, and Reada Hamm (Jody) of Lakeland, Georgia. He was a proud Papa to Juliana Powell, Kelsey Tillman, Kaleb Tillman (Tabatha), and Jacob Hamm; and a cherished great Papa to Emerson Tillman. He is also survived by his sister, Barbara Jane Baker (Dan) of Pell City, Alabama, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members who will remember him with love and admiration.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at Lakeland Methodist Church. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at the church. The burial will be held at 9 a.m. on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at Cook Springs Baptist Church Cemetery, 250 L Cook Drive, Pell City, Alabama. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Lakeland Methodist Church or the Lanier County Fire Department. Kind words and expressions of sympathy can be left for the family at musicfuneralservices.com. The Kelly family is being served by the professional and caring staff of Music Funeral Services of Lakeland.