James M. Kelly, 39

James M. Kelly Jr., Engineering Director of SigNet Technologies, Inc. and former employee of the Central Intelligence Agency passed away Friday, 5 February 2016 at the age of 39. Jim lived in Ashburn, VA with his wife Cori Kelly and daughter Samantha Kelly. Jim was the son of Sherry Martin, Randy Martin, and Jim Kelly, Sr., and the brother of Matt Martin. Jim also leaves behind parents-in-law Kerwin and Vicki Faciane, sisters-in-law Bridget Martin (Matt) and Ashley Faciane, brother-in-law John Faciane, nieces Becca, Maggie, and Jenna Martin, and many other family members.

Jim had been Engineering Director at SigNet Technologies since 2007. Jim worked as an engineer for Lockheed Martin, ISR Solutions, and began his career with the CIA in 1997. It would have been unlikely for anyone who spent any time around Jim not to have found him anything but “extraordinary” given the wide range of skills he had mastered at the highest levels; including having an encyclopedic knowledge of scotch, brewing his own beer, gourmet cooking, building and repairing just about anything from cars to home renovation projects to computers, racing and automotive authority—even a driving instructor for BMW, and of course, he was considered a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in all aspects of technical security and surveillance. He also had an interest in sailing and flying.

Despite the executive demands of his job and the considerable attention he gave his wife and young daughter “Sam” and his friends, Jim still managed to carve out time and talents for his community. He was a volunteer member of the county sign committee that removed signs from the roads for safety and community beauty, frequently worked with local sheriff’s office to set up traffic watch in the neighborhood in a location where children were frequently out, and volunteered as a Street Survival Teen Driving Instructor.

“Jim was a wonderful husband and father and my best friend,” said his wife of over 11 years, Cori. “I am overwhelmed by the hole his absence leaves in my heart, and I can’t even begin to imagine what living without him will be like. I am just so happy for the time I had with him and devastated that our time was cut short.”

His mother, Sherry Martin, said, “Jim was a wonderful, generous, loving, loyal husband, father, son, big brother, and friend. He loved to help everyone from family to strangers, and no task was too large or difficult to tackle –Jim always knew how to get it done. He was an extraordinary person and we are all blessed to have had him in our lives. He will forever be our hero.”

James Sr. said of his son, “He never said much. He just did what was needed and then some. He was a sui generis; one of a kind, a rara avis.”

Family members described Jim as the “go-to guy” who was always there whenever there was a problem for which no one else seemed capable of finding a solution or when anything with moving parts or an electrical system needed fixing. They further described him as a man of conviction, confident in his incredible knowledge and abilities but humble as can be.

Bill Keller, president of Maryland-based SigNet and a personal friend, said, “Jim will be deeply missed here, leaving behind only ‘those fond memories we have of him.’ Jim always did enjoy life to the fullest and his positive outlook on life was most admirable, even contagious some would say. He always had a smile for everyone and was highly regarded both professionally and personally by everyone who ever had the opportunity to work with and get to know him.” Bill further noted, “...Everyone who’d ever had the privilege of working with him always found him a special pleasure to work with. He was the definition of a solid guy.”

Regarding Jim’s CIA service, one friend said, “Jim Kelly dedicated his early professional life to helping keep our country safe. Shortly after graduating from college, he joined the Central Intelligence Agency and traveled the world supporting a number of technical operations. Although he could not publicly share his contributions to National Security, he was a highly-respected technical officer whose enthusiasm for the mission and dedication to the work was greatly missed when he left.”

There has been an outpouring of response to Cori’s request for photos and memories posted to Jim’s Facebook page. So many have spoken of or alluded to a man whose intellectual and mechanic prowess was viewed in awe while wrapped around a quick-with-a-quip, warm man who freely gave his friends his time and loyalty.

• “I was always in awe of Jim. I never knew anyone who seemed more calm, competent and in control. And all that with a smile on his face… Not everyone gets to have a Jim Kelly in their life. I am thankful for the memories he left us, and I pray that each of us can learn to be even half the friend that Jim was.
• “The world needs so many more good people like Jim Kelly. I’m so grateful to have met him, to have benefitted from his friendship and kindness. The world has lost a true gentleman, scholar, and friend.”
• “He was a pretty cool guy… smart engineer, confident, into racing fast cars and spy stuff, liked wings and beer… always up for a get-together and a good laugh. He was the type of guy that was unassuming, didn’t judge, and genuinely cared. You could trust him.”

Born in Media, Delaware County, PA, Jim was a graduate of Penncrest High School and received a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering from Penn State University. He was a member of Mensa International, Eta Kappa Nu Association, and the BMW Car Club. Jim revealed at an early age the skills, leadership and other qualities that would be pronounced as an adult. He was a Little League all-star in baseball and soccer and was voted captain of the class at Junior Space Camp.

Cori requests no flowers be sent. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Samantha’s college fund by sending checks to Samantha Kelly, PO BOX 94, Media, PA, 19063. Please make checks payable to Samantha Kelly and add “college fund” in the memo.

Services will be Friday, Feb. 12 at The Colonial Funeral Home, 201 Edwards Ferry Road NE, Leesburg, VA. The calling hours will begin at 2 pm followed by a short service lead by Father Richard Guest at 3. Since Jim loved hosting people so much, Cori would like to invite family and friends to join them at her home at 5:30 pm to share in food and fellowship and to further celebrate Jim’s life. Driving directions to the Kelly residence will be provided at the service.