Dr. James "Jim" Corbet Kelly, age 80, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on August 27, 2026, at Overland Park Regional Medical Center in Overland Park, Kansas. A beloved husband, father, Papa, dedicated pediatrician, and pioneer in pediatric point-of-care ultrasound, Dr. Jim Kelly spent a lifetime in service to the care, healing, and well-being of children.
Jim was born on July 21, 1946, in Motherwell, Scotland, to John W. Kelly Sr and Elizabeth Corbet, arriving just moments after his identical twin brother, John. After serving in the military, John Sr returned to the United States with his bride and twin sons. The family settled in Tonganoxie, KS where Jim grew up with a strong work ethic and deep appreciation for community. He attended Coal Ridge School, a traditional one-room schoolhouse, before graduating from Tonganoxie High School in 1964. During high school, Jim was a fixture on the gridiron, starting on both offense and defense. His Tonganoxie High School football team had an impressive 16 game winning streak- a school record that still stands today. It was a legendary era in Tonganoxie sports history that is still fondly remembered.
Jim earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of Kansas in 1968. On an icy winter day, December 27, 1969, Jim married the love of his life, Mary Lou Akers, at Holy Angels Catholic Church in Basehor, Kansas. Together they built a life defined by warmth, devotion, and shared purpose.
Pursuing his passion for medicine, Jim graduated from the University of Kansas Medical School in 1972 and became a Board Certified Pediatrician. He initially practiced private pediatric medicine in Springfield, Missouri, before returning to academia and specialized care in 1988 with a fellowship at Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City. For nearly three decades, until his retirement in February 2016, Dr. Kelly served as a Pediatric Emergency Medicine Specialist at Children's Mercy. He served as an Associate Professor with the UMKC School of Medicine, mentoring countless young physicians, and devoted vital years to the Child Abuse Clinic at Children's Mercy, advocating for the most vulnerable young patients.
Jim was a passionate champion and expert in Pediatric Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS). Earning his ARDMS certification—the gold standard credential for diagnostic medical sonographers—he pioneered diagnostic ultrasound techniques across body systems to bring non-invasive, precise diagnostic care directly to pediatric bedside emergencies.
Beyond his professional achievements, Jim will be remembered for his kindness, sharp mind, steady presence, generosity and enduring humor. He was a devoted husband, father, “papa”, son, brother, colleague, and friend who touched thousands of lives.
Jim was preceded in death by his father, John W. Kelly Sr. (2000).
He is survived by his loyal wife of 56 years, Mary Lou Kelly (Akers); his two children, Tiffany (Chad) Donohoe of Littleton, CO, and Chad (Michelle) Kelly of Overland Park, KS; his six grandchildren, Peyton Donohoe of Denver, CO; Quinton Donohoe of Ft. Worth, TX; Madeline Stilwell (Zach) of Louisville, KY; Paige Baker (Aden Jay) of Shawnee, KS; Cooper Kelly (fiancée, Haley) of Tulsa, OK; and Ty Donohoe of Littleton, CO; and one great-grandchild, Valor Baker (Paige and Aden Jay Baker) of Shawnee, KS.
He also leaves behind his mother, Elizabeth Kelly (101), of Basehor, KS; four siblings: his twin brother, John Kelly Jr. (Bobbi), of Houston, TX, with whom he shared a deep twin bond; his brother, Michael Kelly (Keyta), of Jarbalo, KS; his brother, Rick Kelly (Tracy), of Basehor, KS; and his sister, Jacki Himpel (Jeff), of Basehor, KS.
He also leaves behind his buddy “Gus”, his yorkshire terrier who never left his side and will miss him dearly.
Jim was a skilled physician, a lifelong learner, and, perhaps most importantly, a teacher at heart. He maintained his medical license until the time of his death, a testament to his enduring dedication to medicine and to learning. But his passion for teaching extended far beyond his profession. He loved sharing his knowledge and encouraging others—whether guiding a future physician, teaching a young woodworker, or helping an aspiring sailor find his way. He especially enjoyed taking his small sailboat out on Shawnee Mission Lake and sharing his love of sailing with family.
Jim was an avid baseball junkie. A tenured season ticket holder of the Kansas City Royals for over 20 years. He loved sharing a game with family, but didn’t mind attending solo. Anything to watch his favorite team.
Jim never met a stranger- frequently returning from an errand declaring, “I met a new friend today”. His most enjoyable moments were cheering on his grandkids in their endeavors- he was their biggest fan and was the proudest of papas.
Dr. Kelly aka “Dad”, “Papa”, “Jim” will be missed by all that had the blessing of knowing and interacting with him. We will miss him greatly but take great comfort knowing his final resting place in Heaven free from the medical issues he battled throughout his life.
In lieu of flowers, Jim had requested that financial contributions be made to ASPCA - an organization at the forefront of animal rescue and protection and fighting against animal cruelty. www.aspca.org
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ARRANGEMENTS & SERVICES
Arrangements: Friday September 4, 2026
Visitation: 9:30am Holy Trinity Catholic Parrish, 13615
West 92nd Street Lenexa, KS 66215
Funeral Mass: 10:30 Holy Trinity Catholic Parrish,
13615 West 92nd Street Lenexa, KS 66215
Luncheon immediately following service