Brother James Franklin Kelly was born on August 18, 1948 to Mary Scott Kelly and Willie Kelly, Jr., in Ouachita County.

He graduated from Lincoln High School in Camden, Arkansas. He enlisted in US Army and retuned home and was employed at  Arquest in the Maintenance Department where he retired from. He became a Deacon at First Union Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, John Henry Kelly, Willie D. Kelly and Grady O. Kelley; two sisters, Eula O'Neal, and Birdie Welch.

He is survived by two brothers: Floyd Kelly (Bennie) and Lonnie Ray Kelly both of Chidester, Arkansas; one sister: Beulah Mae Scott of Oakland, California; Verline Harris his beloved companion of 30 years and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.