John W. “Jack” Kelly
GROVE CITY - Jack, a decorated Korean War veteran, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 20, 2024 at the age of 93. Jack was born on November 17, 1930 in Columbus, Ohio to Floyd and Margaret Kelly. He joined the Marine Corps Reserves in 1948 and answered the call to active duty in 1950. Jack arrived in Korea and served with E Company, 7th Marine Regiment of the 1st Marine Division. He faced unimaginable hardship during the Battle of Chosin Reservoir. On November 27th 1950, 120,000 Chinese troops attacked the outnumbered 12,000 Marines. Over the next 16 days, in brutal winter conditions with temperatures averaging -30 degrees Fahrenheit, Jack and his fellow Marines fought valiantly through enemy lines before being evacuated. He spent over 200 days recovering from his injuries at the Kyoto Japan Naval Hospital before returning to the United States. Jack was awarded the Purple Heart for his wounds and the Presidential Unit Citation for his heroic actions at the Chosin Reservoir. In 1949, Jack graduated from West High School in Columbus, Ohio, where he ran track and was a City Champion for the football team in 1948. After the war, Jack started working at United Refrigeration Inc in Columbus Ohio, where he retired after 43 years. Because of his love for sports, Jack enjoyed being a member of the Columbus Home Plate Club. Jack was a Master Mason of 60 years for The Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Ohio. Jack was a 70 year member of Westgate United Methodist Church, where he served as an usher for many years. Jack is survived by his loving wife, Wanda; children, Terence (Cathy) Kelly, Tamara Krebs, and Erin (Joel) Kelly; grandchildren, Courtney (Chris) Dekle, Kelsey (Robby) Bunzey, Kellye (Dustyn) Wilkin and Maureen (Chris) Austin; and great-grandchildren, Trenten Rezes, Brianna Dekle, Cameren Rezes, Billy Rezes, Colton Bunzey, Jaxon Bunzey, Grayson Dekle, Lincoln Bunzey and Piper Bunzey. Jack is preceded in death by his siblings, Floyd Kelly and Patricia Kelly. Jack will be remembered for his courage, dedication, and unwavering love for family and country.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at 11:00 am at Schoedinger Funeral Home 4242 Hoover Rd Grove City, Ohio 43123 with a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Charity Newsies in Columbus, Ohio or Motts Military Museum in Groveport, Ohio in Jack Kelly’s honor.