James Shawn Kelley, affectionately called Shawn was born on April 10, 1966 in Elizabeth, NJ. The son of Mary and the late James B. Kelley, Shawn spent his early childhood years in Elizabeth, NJ before moving to Somerset in the early 1970’s. He departed this life on May 27, 2006 from injuries received in an auto accident. Known for his winning smile and generous natured personality, Shawn had a natural gift for athletics and academics. Shawn attended Franklin Township Public Schools and was a member of the basketball, football and track and field teams, as well as a host of school clubs. While in school he received countless awards and trophies, and acclaim. Following his graduation in 1983 with honors, he accepted a scholarship to the University of Delaware. As a “Fighting Blue Hen”. Shawn went on to work in the social services field as a juvenile counselor. Additionally, Shawn was a manager in the retail industry but also gained popularity throughout the east coast as a charismatic Master of ceremonies, “MC Shawn”, for various civic and social events. Most recently he acquired his insurance license in North Carolina. Shawn has an unforgettable star quality in everything he was a part of and had a definite love of music and dancing. In his youth, Shawn was baptized and attended the Greater Mount Moriah Baptist Church of Linden, New Jersey. He has resided in New Jersey, Delaware, and Pennsylvania but most recently moved with his mother, Mary, to North Carolina. He will be lovingly remembered as a devoted father, son, sibling and friend to many. James Shawn will be sorely missed and leaves to cherish his memory, three children: James Edward Kelley, Gabrielle M. Kelley, and Shalonda R. Kelley; his mother, Mary L. Kelley; brother, Craig Lamont Kelley; sister, Crystal Kelley Robinson; four nephews and two nieces, and a host of relatives and friends.