obituaries

Reverend James T. "J.T." Kelly

Kincaid |

Reverend James T. “J.T.” Kelly, 74, of Kincaid, IL, passed away on Wednesday, September 12, 2018 in Springfield, IL. 

J.T. was born on January 28, 1944, in Eldorado, IL, the son of Loyd and Effie (Johnston) Kelly.  He married June Garrett in East Alton, on February 8, 1969.

He obtained his Associates Degree at the University of Kentucky then attended SIUE. He completed Theology Studies at Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee.  J.T. held an Ordained Bishop License, served his church as an Evangelist during his early years, serving a total of 50 years, for the Church of God.  His former Church of God pastorates include, Brookport, IL, Lawrenceville, IL, West City, IL, and Kincaid, IL.  He was also the founder of Faith Community Worship Center in Taylorville, IL, in 2002.

Along with his wife, J.T. is survived by his children, Jami (Rev. Jeff) Hefner of Taylorville and Amber (Rev. Jerry) Thorpe of Taylorville; his adopted children, Danny (Debby) Garrett of Brighton, Bud (Missy) Garrett of South Roxana and Darrell (Libby) Garrett of Galesburg, IL; brother-in-law, Jackie Cooper of Bethalto; and seven grandchildren, Brandon Hefner, Carson Hefner, Tyler Thorpe, Emily Thorpe, Daniel (Laura) Garrett, Ashley Garrett and Christopher Garrett.

Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by an adopted son, Jerry Garrett; as well as his sister and brother, and their spouses, Joan and Albert Unthank, Phyllis Harrelson, Shirley and Leonard McCormick, Patricia Cooper and Wendell Loyd Kelly.

Visitation will be held on Friday, September 14, 2018 from 4 pm until time of service at 7 pm at Faith Community Worship Center in Taylorville, IL.  Visitation will also be held at The Bethalto Church of God, on Saturday, September 15, 2018, from 3 pm until time of service at 6 pm.  Reverend Jerry Thorpe and Reverend Darrell Garrett will officiate both services.

Graveside service will be on Tuesday, September 18, 2018, at 11 am, at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Faith Community Worship Center in Taylorville, IL (for the new building phase).

An online condolence and guest book may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com .


Obit Provided By:
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home

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