KK Motorcycle Supply is saddened to announce the passing of company founder JR Kelley. He died on Dec. 8 at the age of 86.
Kelley grew up in the motorcycle industry, wrenching the motorcycles his father sold. He temporarily left the industry to serve as a U.S. Marine in World War II, defending his country at Iwo Jima.
When he served as president of the American Motorcycle Association (AMA), he helped the organization improve its service, increase its membership and become an important legislative body. He also worked with various dealer associations and the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC).
Kelley was the first recipient of the MIC’s "Man of the Year" award in 1986, which recognized his dedication to advancing the motorcycle industry. He was also inducted into the Ohio Hall of Fame and the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.
Coinciding with his belief in giving back to the community, he helped establish the Old Time Newsies (OTN) Charity Motorcycle Race, the OTN Charity Auction on WKEF-TV and the Ride for Muscle Dystrophy. These efforts have raised more than 35 million dollars for charity.
"JR, you will be truly missed, but you will never be forgotten by the motorcycle industry and the thousands of people whose lives you have touched," stated KK Motorcycle Supply in a recent release.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:
The American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation
13515 Yarmouth Drive
Pickerington, OH 43147
