Roll of Honor
Incident
Trooper James Kelly was killed when a vehicle operated by an intoxicated driver crossed the double yellow lines and struck his patrol car sending it airborne. His partner, who was driving, suffered minor injuries. The 36-year-old driver was charged with driving while intoxicated and criminal negligent homicide. Trooper Kelly had served with the New York State Police for three years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and three children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NY-4E051E60- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Trooper Kelly gave the New York State Police 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the people of New York. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Trooper Kelly.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Trooper James A. Kelly Jr. is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,772 officers honored here.
In NY, 728 of 2,147 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 33.9% of this state's fallen. That is 33.9 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At New York State Police, 29 of 171 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 17% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. James A. Kelly Jr.'s cause is highlighted.
How James A. Kelly Jr. Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. James A. Kelly Jr. is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. James A. Kelly Jr. was killed by automobile.
Others Who Wore This Badge
170 officers from New York State Police are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
