James P. Kilkelly, age 75 of Benton, passed away Thursday, Jan. 19, 2017 at Atrium Post Acute Care Center in Mineral Point. He was born April 27, 1941 in Darlington, the son of J. Celsus and Gertrude (Wedig) Kilkelly. Jim graduated from Darlington High School in 1960. He lived in Darlington until he began working for Chrysler Corp., where he worked on the line for 30 years, retiring in 1999. Jim moved to Belvidere, Ill., in 1969 until moving to Dodgeville in 1975. In 2005, Jim moved to Woodford and later moved to Benton.
Jim is survived by one son: James C. (Dawn) Kilkelly of Barneveld; four grandchildren; one brother: Richard Kilkelly of Belvidere; and two sisters: Connie (Donald) Chandler of Monroe Center, Ill., and Ann Kilkelly of North Carolina and a dear friend of many years Margie Reising of Madison. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother: John Kilkelly in 1973.
Jim was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Darlington and the Darlington and Lafayette County Shamrock Clubs. He enjoyed fishing and rope pulling for the Blanchardville Sod Busters.  He also attended and pulled in a number of Tractor Pulls over the years. Many will remember Jim for his favorite saying, “Nobody knows what’s over the hill.” He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by his family and friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church (104 East Harriet St, Darlington) with Rev. John Bosco Pudhota officiating. Burial was in Holy Rosary Cemetery in Darlington. A visitation was held Monday, Jan. 23, 2017 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Erickson Funeral Home (508 Main Street, Darlington) where a rosary was prayed at 7:30 p.m. and on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. at the church. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Jim’s name.