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Longtime Arizona Horseman James Francis Kelly Dies
Longtime Arizona horseman James Francis Kelly died Thursday, January 26.

© Courtesy Carrillo's Tucson Mortuary
Longtime Arizona Horseman James Francis Kelly Dies

TUCSON, AZ–FEBRUARY 2, 2023–James Francis Kelly went to be with the Lord on Thursday afternoon, January 26, 2023. He was born on October 4, 1960, to James Joseph Kelly and Marilou Morrell-Kelly in Park Ridge, Illinois.  James was a loving father, brother, uncle, friend, and horseman. 

James graduated from St. Charles High School, where he played varsity baseball & was a member of FFA. He later moved to Tucson, Arizona, where he attended his alma-mater- The University of Arizona for their Racetrack Industry Program. James spent many years at the famous ranch nestled in the Catalina Foothills. It was here several memories and life-long friends were made.

During his time in Catalina, he married Patricia Baca-Jelks, and welcomed their first daughter, Melissa.

He then sold the ranch in Catalina and moved to the beautiful mountains of Sonoita. It was here that they welcomed two daughters, Elena and Geneva and gained a son Cayden through his marriage to Staci Honnas-White.

James had a successful career in the Quarter Horse racing industry that spanned over several decades. He was known for his “quality over quantity” program.

After countless wins, track records and hall-of-fame worthy horses, such as Lawyersgunsandmoney and Cool Papa Bell, James was elected to the Arizona Quarter Horse Racing Hall of Fame himself in 2011.

The pinnacle of James’ success was a gelding named Mars Blackman, the 1995 AQHA World Champion gelding.

Upon his semi-retirement from racing, James enjoyed spending time skiing in Park City, Utah, visiting his sister Laura in Carmel Valley, CA, and spending time with his daughters in Texas.

He also loved time spent discussing aviation with his son Cayden and partnering with his son-in-law on racehorses.

Survivors include three daughters; Melissa Kelly of Thorndale, Texas, Elena Kelly-Kiehne, and husband Chance of Santo, Texas, Geneva Kelly-Robertson and husband Cooper of Lipan, Texas; one son, Cayden Smith of Vai, Arizona; two sisters, Laura Kelly-Horoween and husband Skip of Chica, Illinois, Kathleen Kelly; three grandchildren, Evan, Julian, Castiel and countless friends he regarded as family.

He is preceded in death by his parents, James and Marilou.

A celebration of life will held for Jim at Rillito Racetrack in Tucson at 4:00 p.m. (MT) on Friday, February 17.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made through the Arizona Quarter Racing Association (AQRA) in James’ name.