James Calloway Kelly II

Dr. James C. Kelly was born November 13, 1938, in Lawton, Oklahoma, to Frank and Nola Kelly. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Kentucky and his D.M.D. degree from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry in 1964. While in dental school, he met and married Marsha Ann Hewitt, his beloved wife of 57 years, who preceded him in death in 2021.

Following graduation, Dr. Kelly served two years on active duty in the U.S. Navy and continued his military service in the Naval Reserve for 21 years, retiring with the rank of Captain. In 1966, he established his dental practice in Louisville, Kentucky and practiced until 1999.

A respected leader in organized dentistry, Dr. Kelly served as President of the Louisville Dental Society, the Kentucky Dental Association, and the University of Louisville School of Dentistry Alumni Association. He received numerous honors throughout his career, including the Kentucky Dental Association Distinguished Service Award and the University of Louisville School of Dentistry Distinguished Alumnus Award. In 2018, the Kentucky Chapter of the American College of Dentists established the Dr. James C. Kelly Award for Outstanding Kentucky Leadership in his honor.

Dr. Kelly also dedicated nearly five decades to dental education at the University of Louisville School of Dentistry, ultimately attaining the rank of Clinical Professor before retiring in 2015.

He is survived by his children, Jay Kelly (Karen), Dana Presnell (Alan), and Tricia Bellucci (Jeff); and his grandchildren, Alexis Lackey (Bradley), Peyton Presnell, Parker Presnell, Andrew Bellucci (Kendall), Jacob Bellucci, and Nick Bellucci.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hopeful Hearts Foundation or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.