James M. Kelly (Boston politician)

James M. Kelly
Kelley in the 1980s
President of the Boston City Council
In office 1994–2000
Preceded by	Thomas Menino
Succeeded by	Charles Yancey
Member of the Boston City Council from District 2
In office 1984–2007
Preceded by	District created
Succeeded by	Bill Linehan
Personal details
Born	1940
Died	January 9, 2007
Resting place	Cedar Grove Cemetery (Dorchester, Boston)
Nationality	American

James M. Kelly (1940 – January 9, 2007) was an American politician who served on the Boston City Council for 23 years, representing South Boston, the South End and Chinatown.

Biography

Kelly was first elected to the Boston City Council in November 1983, and served from January 1984 until his death in January 2007. He was the council president from 1994 through 2000.

Kelly had previously been one of the leading opponents of court ordered busing to achieve racial integration in public schools during the 1970s. He continued to fight such plans as a member of the city council. He also attacked mandated housing integration and affirmative action.

Kelly was a graduate of South Boston High School and was a sheet metal worker before entering politics.

Tribute to Jim Kelly, South Boston, 2007

See also

• The Soiling of Old Glory, Pulitzer Prize-winning photograph taken in 1976 that includes Kelly

Further reading

• "Black Flags in Boston Protest Gay Group". The New York Times. March 20, 1995.
• James M. Kelly, long-time city councilor and South Boston icon, dies. Boston Globe, Jan 9, 2007.
• James M. Kelly, 1940–2007. Boston Globe, Jan 10, 2007.
• notes to Oral History interview of James M. Hennigan Jr.

External links

• Profile at cityofboston.gov via Wayback Machine
• The Boston Globe obituary of Kelly via legacy.com