Roll Call Tribute

J. Fletcher Kelly
November 6, 1950 - December 21, 2022

James Fletcher Kelly from Sinton, Texas (and recently Richmond, Virginia) passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, December 21, 2022 at the age of 72.

Born November 6, 1950, he lived most of his life in Sinton, but graduated from the American School in Manila, Philippines.

In 1969, he joined the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets (Company F-1), served as a Ross Volunteer during his junior and senior years, and served as Company Commander of F-1. While at Texas A&M he also served on the Town Hall committee (which included such adventures as moving Elton John’s piano when he came to play at Texas A&M). He graduated with his degree in civil engineering, the proudest member of the Fighting Texas Aggie class of 1973. He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army and served until he was honorably discharged in 1977.

After a brief time working in Atlanta, Georgia, he returned to Texas, working for a time with his uncle and then his father, and soon began his own engineering firm, JFK Group, Inc. He flew around the state to meet clients and complete jobs, first in his Cessna 210 and later his prized Beechcraft Baron, a twin engine airplane.

In 2008, together with his business partners, he assumed ownership of Shoosmith Landfill and Virginia Waste Services and became managing partner and Vice President. There, he has worked to build community partnerships, add a recycling center, and establish a system for extracting natural gas from the landfill.

He proudly served his community as the Chairman of the San Patricio County Democratic Party, as founding chair of the San Patricio County Economic Development Committee, as a leader in the Gulf Coast Council of the Boy Scouts of America, and as a member of the Texas A&M Chancellor’s Century Council. He served on the Board of Henricus Park in Virginia and as a member of the Chesterfield County Police Foundation.

In 1978, he met his true love, Sam MonDragon Kelly. They married in 1980 and this past April celebrated their 42nd wedding anniversary.

When he wasn’t working, Fletcher loved to travel. With his wife by his side, he explored the world. Some memorable trips include visiting the Nile River Valley in Egypt, summiting Mount Kilimanjaro, climbing to see the ruins of Macchu Pichu in Peru, a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, and to follow the Walk of Saint James in Spain and Portugal.

He also went on many hunting adventures, usually with his best friend John Landgraf. They traveled to Zimbabwe, Benin, Zambia, Mongolia, Spain, New Zealand, Argentina, above the Arctic Circle in Canada, and the Brooks Ranch in Pecos County, Texas.

He was preceded in death by his father, Franklin Fletcher Kelly, Jr., mother, Dorothy Dycus Kelly, and granddaughter, Cecilia Hope Rodriguez.

He is survived by his wife, Sam MonDragon Kelly; his daughters: Andie Kelly Richardson (and husband Clay Richardson of Ozona, Texas) and Bobbi Kelly-Rodriguez (and husband Roy Rodriguez of College Station, Texas); his grandchildren: Nathaniel (Nate) James Rodriguez, West Clay Richardson, Dorothy Rose Rodriguez, Sailor Kelly Richardson, and Mary Grace Rodriguez; his 3 loving sisters: Eileen Troup from Sinton, Texas, Sarah McCraw (and husband Rhett of Greenville, South Carolina) and Mary Lankford (and husband Sam of Sinton, Texas).

There will be a visitation at Resthaven Funeral Home beginning at 6 pm on Thursday, December 22, followed by the Holy Rosary at 7 pm (with the chapel remaining open for visitors until 9 pm). A Funeral Mass will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church at 10 am on Friday, December 23 and burial will follow in Sinton Cemetery, Sinton.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the American Heart Association or the Association of Former Students at Texas A&M.

Guestbook available online at www.resthavenfunerals.com 

Arrangements and care entrusted to Resthaven Funeral Home, Sinton, TX.