In Loving Memory of James “Robb” Kelley

James Robert (Robb) Kelley, age 58, went to his eternal home on July 12, 2018. He lived in Colorado Springs for over 20 years. Born December 27, 1959 at St. Margaret’s Hospital in Kansas City, Kansas to Dr. Jim and Dale Kelley, Robb had one older brother, Myles.

In 1972, the Kelley family moved to Fort Worth, Texas. Robb attended Trinity Valley School through his sophomore year. A de-emphasis in athletics caused him to be recruited by Fort Worth Country Day School for his junior and senior years. He excelled in football, basketball and track all four years of high school.

In 1978, Robb enrolled at Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia and lettered in track his freshman year. He transferred to Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas the following year where he was recruited by the university basketball coach but declined in order to concentrate on academics. Robb served on the SMU ethics committee and was a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity. He graduated Summa Cum Laude with a BA in 1983.

Following graduation, Robb modeled for Eileen Ford Men in New York and Studio One in Paris. His clients included Calvin Klein, Giorgio Armani, Gianni Versace and Gucci. His modeling work took him to cities around the world including Milan and Rome, Italy; Hong Kong, China; Tokyo and Kyoto, Japan; and Sydney, Australia.

After several years of international travel, Robb returned to Fort Worth, Texas. In the mid-90s he moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado. Many of his books and screenplays were completed during these years. He also found his passion as a minister, mentor and coach and his impact in these arenas continued to expand throughout his life.

In the spring of 2005 Robb met the love of his life, Shiloh Marie Couch, at the World Prayer Center in Colorado Springs. They were married on September 24th, 2005. While they were never blessed with children of their own, they welcomed many young people into their lives who know them as Daddy Robb and Mama Shiloh.

Robb served as head varsity boys’ basketball coach at The Colorado Springs School (CSS) for several years. After taking a year off to enjoy married life, he became the head girls’ basketball coach at James Irwin Charter Academy before returning to CSS as an assistant coach for the girls’ team. The joy he experienced on his final outing to attend an open gym with his team speaks loudly of the reciprocal impact the kids had on him throughout his coaching career.

In his professional life Robb was known as a coach, pastor, writer, motivational speaker and spiritual counselor. He provided spiritual leadership to young people pursuing careers in the arts and served on the leadership team at Boulder Street Church for several years.

Robb is survived by his precious wife, Shiloh; parents Dr. Jim and Dale Kelley; brother, Myles Kelley and his wife, Marty Kelley; nephews, Myles Kelley Jr. and Brooks Kelley; niece, Christiana Kelley; and the daughter of his heart, Jessica Terrones. He is also remembered by his many beloved in-laws, extended family members and those he knew as family in Christ.

The family wishes to thank all of those who gave Robb such very special spiritual and medical care during the last few months. Your ministrations have been a great comfort to us.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30am on Saturday, August 11, 2018 at the Colorado Springs School’s Louise Honnen Tutt Field House. The service will be followed by a potluck meal for those who wish to join in. A memorial fund has been established at https://www.gofundme.com/coachrobb.

Services are under the direction of Return to Nature Funeral Home, Colorado Springs, Colorado www.returntonaturecolorado.com