James (Jim) T. Kelly, Sr., Marmion Academy’s founding Swim and Diving coach and former faculty member, died on February 17, 2023 in Leesburg, FL.

Kelly is fondly remembered for his 35 years of dedication to Marmion Academy (1966-2001). In addition to being the founding Swim and Diving Coach, he was a history teacher throughout his tenure at Marmion as well as aquatic director, bus driver, golf coach, and Dean of Students (1990-2001).

As Swim and Diving Coach, Kelly guided the Marmion swim team to 12 first place and 10 second place finishes in the Suburban Catholic Conference. He had a total of 105 individual and 18 relay team State Finals qualifiers. He was elected to the Illinois Swimming Association’s (ISA) Hall of Fame and was named Coach of the Year by the ISA many times.

Kelly also started Rosary High School’s successful swim-diving team in 1978 and was its first coach.  He was a mentor to many other swim coaches across the country. Kelly graduated from Loyola University, Chicago, on an athletic scholarship as a diver.

Jim was the Aquatic Director for Clubs in Wheaton, Glen Ellyn, and most notably at the Aurora Country Club, which named its pool the “Jim Kelly, Sr. Aquatic Center”. 

Marmion dedicated its 2002 Salute to Youth gala in his honor, but Kelly refused any other honors or naming opportunities at Marmion Academy. 

Kelly and wife, Helen, moved to Leesburg, FL when Jim retired from Marmion in 2001.  

He is survived by his wife, Helen, two daughters, Jennifer and Maureen, and son Timothy (Marmion class of 1985). His son, James Kelly, Jr. (Marmion class of 1982), preceded him in death by approximately six weeks. 

There will be a Memorial Mass in early summer at the Marmion Abbey Church; date and time to be announced.