Jim Kelly

Jim Kelly, 81, of DeWitt, Iowa, passed away Monday October 27, 2025, at Harmony in Davenport.

Jim was born November 25, 1943, in Clinton, Iowa, to Bob and Irene Kelly. He grew up in Grand Mound, and lived in the best of times, filled with great music, muscle cars, and cheap gas. Jim had a love for the outdoors, where hunting and fishing became a favorite pastime.

Jim owned and operated barber shops in Davenport and Naples, Florida, for nearly five decades and was known as “Barber Dude.” You always left his chair with a good haircut and a good laugh.

He was a talented athlete, playing as the starting pitcher and second baseman for three years with the Grand Mound Cardinals, placing third in state in 1961. In Jim’s senior year at Central Community Schools in DeWitt, he served as starting guard and captain of the Saber basketball team. He loved golf and continued to enjoy the game into his mid-seventies.

Jim had a lifelong love affair with the “Wapsi Bottoms” and the many special times and friends he shared there.

In his fifties, Jim became a certified recreational scuba diver. He enjoyed exploring the Florida waters and discovering the many species of fish and wildlife that lived there.

He will be missed by his son, Jeff, and family; brother, Dick (Mary Jo) Kelly; and niece and nephew, Kari Bernard and Jack Kelly.

Following Jim’s wishes, there will be no service or visitation.

Arrangements are in the care of Schultz Funeral Home, DeWitt. Condolences may be expressed at www.schultzfuneralhomes.com

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