Thursday, September 8, 2022, NewEnglandSkiIndustry.com
Brodie Mountain founder Jim Kelly passed away on Sunday at the age of 87.
A native of Washington, Massachusetts, James W. Kelly was one of two sons (and four daughters) raised by lumber entrepreneur John J. Kelly and his wife Mary. A 1952 graduate of Pittsfield High School, Kelly served with the Navy Seabees for two years before joining the family business. He married Dorothy "Dot" Godek in 1955, with whom he had five children.
Kelly and his family redeveloped Brodie Mountain in 1964, building it into one of the most popular ski areas in Southern New England. In addition to the ski area, owned numerous other businesses over the years, including restaurants, a fitness center, and Kelly Hardwood. Kelly also nearly acquired Bousquet and Cranwell.
In November 1999, Kelly sold Brodie to Brian Fairbank and Joseph O'Donnell of rival Jiminy Peak. The new owners would close Brodie after the 2001-2002 season.
Meanwhile, Kelly and his sons began redeveloping the Brodie cross country ski area into a golf course. Kelly had acquired the land in the early 1970s, naming it Donnybrook Farm after the Irish word for "brawl." In constructing the course, Kelly remarked to the Berkshire Eagle, "I wouldn't have built this course if I didn't think it was going to be one of the best. The course is very unique, very natural." Adorned with green shamrocks, the 9-hole Donnybrook Country Club opened in the spring of 2008.
Kelly is survived by his wife, five children, 10 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.
