Jim Kelly is a lifelong Mendham Borough resident, raised on East Main Street in a bustling household of eight, where community, hard work, and helping others were part of daily life. He and his wife, Frederica, have been together for 33 years and continue to call Mendham home.

Jim built his career in the Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling industry, starting at age 16 and earning his New Jersey Master Plumber’s License before founding Kelly Plumbing Heating and Cooling in 1988. As a small business owner for over three decades, he has managed employees, balanced budgets, and overseen complex projects from start to finish—experience that informs his work in local government.

A former Councilman and now Mayor, Jim has been active in the community through youth sports coaching, supporting the Fire Department and First Aid Squad, participating in local environmental efforts, and volunteering at Mendham Area Senior Housing and with St. Joseph’s Church and the Appalachia mission program.

As Mayor, Jim is committed to managing state-imposed affordable housing mandates to protect local zoning control, addressing rising health insurance costs, securing grants for historic preservation and infrastructure, and strengthening public safety by restoring a Police Chief position. Guided by fiscal responsibility, common sense, and a deep respect for Mendham’s history and people, Jim works every day to keep the Borough safe and financially sound.