• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • About
  • Forum
  • Design Studio
  • Upholstery Jobs
  • Newsletter
  • Sponsors

The Hog Ring

Auto Upholstery Community

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter

Trimmer James Kenneth Kelly Dies at 87

January 10, 2022 By Nadeem

The Hog Ring - Trimmer James Kenneth Kelly Dies at 87

Trimmer James Kenneth Kelly of New Castle, Pennsylvania, has died at age 87.

James was born on June 26, 1934 in Edinburg. As a young teen, he learned the craft of auto and marine upholstery. But at age 19, chose to enlist in the US Army.

After three years of military service, James returned home and resumed working in the craft. He continued upholstering cars and boats throughout his life, balancing it alongside a job at Penn Power.

In his off time, James liked to hunt, fish and ride his motorcycle.

He died on December 16, 2021. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 61 years, Sarah Wingfield; two brothers, Lloyal and Elmer Kelly; and his sister, Jessie Johnston.

He is survived by his daughter, Lisa Shacklette; grandchildren, Sarah Shacklette and Cooper Shacklette; and great-grandchild, Jasper Shacklette.

May he Rest In Peace.

Filed Under: Archive, Obituary Tagged With: Auto Trim, Auto Upholstery, Car Interior

Primary Sidebar

THR Sponsors

NC Sewing Machines
Miami Corporation - Right Rail Ad 3
  • Albright's Supply
  • Douglass Interior Products
  • MasterTech Expo 2026
  • Hyde Leather
  • OEM+ Banner Ad - The Hog Ring
  • Keyston Bros

THR Favorites

The Hog Ring - 5 Souped-Up Sewing Machines

5 Souped-Up Sewing Machines

Every auto trimmer loves his sewing machine. … [more] about 5 Souped-Up Sewing Machines

The Hog Ring - How to make a seat from scratch

How to Upholster a Car Seat From Scratch

Check out this awesome guide on how to … [more] about How to Upholster a Car Seat From Scratch

4 Measuring Tools Every Trim Shop Needs

Measure twice and cut once – it’s good … [more] about 4 Measuring Tools Every Trim Shop Needs

The Hog Ring - Proof that Bentley Uses Forks to Trim Steering Wheels

Proof that Bentley Uses Forks to Trim Steering Wheels

No one believed us when we said trimmers at … [more] about Proof that Bentley Uses Forks to Trim Steering Wheels

The Hog Ring - Auto Upholstery Blog - 2011 Jaguar XK

Bolder French Seams With QTC Contrast

Nothing sets off an upholstery job better … [more] about Bolder French Seams With QTC Contrast

Harley-Davidson on the Nature of Leather

I found a tag attached to the bottom of a … [more] about Harley-Davidson on the Nature of Leather

Categories

Footer

Recent Articles

  • Hydes Leather Introduces Their 3D Mesh Spacer Fabric
  • Choosing the Right Grommet for Long Lasting Performance
  • Chinese Automaker Patents Slide Out Toilet for Drivers Who Can’t Hold It
  • The Foam and Adhesives Industry’s Biggest Event Returns in June
  • A Porsche Master Upholsterer is Retiring After 40 Years

Recent Comments

  • Edward Munday on Hidden Mouse Nest? How to Charge for the Extra Dirty Work
  • Jack on Keyston Bros. Acquires DLT Corporation
  • Brodie Smith on Aston Martin Just Introduced a New Convertible DB12
  • THE CAPTAIN on 6 Tips for Turning Callers into Customers
  • Dmei on Star Wars Seat Covers are ‘So Wizard’

Advertise With Us!

We're always looking for companies to collaborate with. Watch this short video about the benefits of sponsorship and then email us to say hi.

Copyright © 2026 · Magazine Pro On Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in