James M Kelliher, Jr.

Dr. James Martin Kelliher Jr., Ph.D., of Scotch Plains, NJ, passed away on Monday, March 3rd, 2025,at the age of 94. Born in Springfield MA, he proudly served our country in the US Navy raising to the rank of LTJG.  James was the loving husband of the late Joyce Ann Kelliher for 49 years. Dr. Kelliher was a distinguished individual, known not only for his academic achievements, but for his unwavering commitment to his family and community. He was the beloved father of Patrick M. Kelliher and his late wife Kathy of Apopka, FL, Kathleen M. Fry and her husband Ken of South Plainfield, NJ, James M. Kelliher III and his wife Mahnaz of Edison, NJ, William S. Kelliher of Bellevue, WA, and Daniel J. Kelliher of Cumberland, MD. His cherished grandchildren: Patrick Kelliher II, James M. Kelliher IV, Dennis, Melanie, Jennifer, and Juliette Kelliher, Lauren and Michael Fry. Dr. Kelliher was preceded in death by his parents and dear brother, John Kelliher, but he leaves behind his  caring sisters-in-law, Carol Mongeon of Essex Junction, VT, and Mary Boucher of Pitman, NJ. He also leaves his cherished great grandchildren Aurora Elle and Thomas James.

A visitation will be held on March 10th, 2025, from 4:00pm to 8:00pm at the Gosselin Funeral Home, 660 New Dover Rd., Edison, NJ. Funeral services will be held on March 11th, 2025, 9:30am to 10:30am at the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at  11:00am at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Scotch Plains, NJ. Burial will take place at St. Gertrude Cemetery in Colonia, NJ. Dr. Kelliher’s contributions to his field and his family’s lives were immeasurable. His memory will forever be cherished by all who knew him especially his sense of humor and his infectious laugh.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:  Immaculate Heart of Mary Church 1571 South Martine Avenue, Scotch Plains, NJ

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