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Biography of Jill Kelly[Age, Height, Wife, Kids, Family, Salary, Award & Net worth ]

Jim Kelly’s wife, Jill Kelly, is a New York Times bestselling author. The retired Buffalo Bills quarterback and three-time cancer survivor met his wife Jill Marie Kelly during his career.

The couple shares a profound belief in Christianity and often reveals how their beliefs towards God allowed them to overcome assorted challenges in their life. They have faced numerous challenges, including the demise of their beloved son.

However, they have not let the tragedy undermine their relationship and instead conquer the problems by constantly supporting each other and providing unconditional love.

Biography of Jill Kelly[Age, Height, Wife, Kids, Family, Salary, Award & Net worth ]
 Jim Kelly along with his wife Jill Kelly (Source: Instagram)
                            

The couple had three children together. In addition, they share a non-profit organization in the name of their late son, Hunter, which we will discuss in more detail later in this article.

The article here primarily emphasizes the details about Jill Kelly, who has established herself as a writer, host, follower of Christ, speaker, and activist.

We will discuss everything you can know about Jim Kelly’s wife.

Jill Kelly: Quick Facts

Before getting into the details of Jill Kelly, let’s look at the quick facts about her.

Full Name Jill Marie Kelly
Date of Birth Not Available
Nickname Jill
Religion Christian
Sexuality Straight
Father Name Jerry Waggoner,
Mother Name Jacque Waggoner
Place of Birth United States
House Location East Aurora, New York
Gender Female
Ethnicity White Caucasian
Age Not Available
Profession Author & Speaker
Books Without a Word, Peace in the Face of Loss
Famous For Wife of Jim Kelly
Nationality American
Highest Qualification Bachelor in B.A.
School Notre Dame High School
College Imperial College, London
Height 5’9″(1.75 m)
Weight Not Available
Eye color Not Available
Hair color Blonde
Body Measurements Not Available
Body Slim
Shoe Size Not Available
Favorite Sports Basketball
Relationship Status Married
Husband James Edward Kelly
Children 3: Erin, Carlyn (daughters), and Hunter (passed away)
Siblings 1, Jack Waggoner
Zodiac Sign Not Available
Social Media Instagram 
Merch
Books
Net Worth Under Review
Last Update August, 2022

Jim Kelly’s Wife: Jill Kelly

Jill Kelly attended Imperial College in London. She studied there during the outbreak of the Persian Gulf war. Moreover, she ignored her mother’s fear of terrorism and instead decided to study amid the chaos.

After acquiring her B.A., she ignored advice to stay in Western New York and left for Florida. There she moved in with her friends and earned a job in the cable T.V. industry.

Born to Jacque Waggoner and Jerry Waggoner, she grew up in the center of Attica, where they lived for more than a decade. One of the eight children from her parents, Jacque, gave birth to her daughter and her son before she was 21 years old.

Jacque went to the University at Buffalo and developed a career in computers.

Jill attended Notre Dame High School in Batavia. In addition, her teachers entitled her as a hard worker, a pleasure, intelligent, genuine, and a friendly kid.

Jill Kelly: Career

Back in Western New York, Jill was a promotional assistant with Estee Lauder. Her role was to promote the cosmetics company’s products in Buffalo, Rochester, and Pennsylvania stores.

Before being the wife of a renowned football player, Jill was already used to the public glare.

The T.V. show “PM Magazine” profiled her when she was only 16 years old. Furthermore, the Batavia Daily News ran a front-page story on Jill.

Biography of Jill Kelly[Age, Height, Wife, Kids, Family, Salary, Award & Net worth ]
      Jim Kelly’s wife Jill Kelly (Source: Instagram)
                                
She was a freelancer for Estee Lauder, where she could work according to her convenient hours. So during her spare time, she used her years of modeling experience to help a family friend run local fashion, modeling, and bridal shows.

Jill admitted that she liked working with Estee Lauder as she didn’t work on commission. She recalled that she usually works slightly less than 40 hours a week.

She likes to eat pizza and listen to music (from Kenny G to Van Halen).

Occasionally, she plays golf with her brother, a pro on the New York State Empire Tour, her dad, the former A-flight champion at the Attica Country Club, or her husband.

Jill Kelly: Involvement in Sports

Jill was an active sports player during high school. Her brother Jack was also equally enthusiastic and participated in sports activities.

The only deformity on Jill’s record involves her legendary inability to score in basketball. Her coach described her courteously as “more of a rebounder and passer than a shooter.”

Jill’s mother recalled that she had to get rid of the ball so someone else could score. According to her father, she ran up and down the court like a deer, but Jill didn’t know what to do with the basketball.
Standing at the height of 5 feet 9 inches, she channeled her mighty height into an advantage, though.
Her coach and former social studies teacher William Sutherland remembered, “She is a girl into the second row of the bleachers with a hip check.” In addition, he also recalls that she was an outstanding and bright student.
Who is Jim Kelly?

James Edward Kelly, born on February 14, 1960, is a retired American football quarterback. He played for eleven seasons with the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League (NFL).

Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he attended East Bradly High Scholl. In addition, he was a standout there and won all-state honors after passing for 3,915 yards, one interception, and 44 touchdowns in his career.

He was one of the six quarterbacks taken in the first round of the 1983 NFL Draft and selected 14th overall by the Bills.

Biography of Jill Kelly[Age, Height, Wife, Kids, Family, Salary, Award & Net worth ]
                      Former football quarterback of NFL, Jim Kelly (Source: Instagram)

However, he did not play for the Bills until the USFL folded in 1986 and chose to sign with the Gamblers instead. Nevertheless, he led one of the greatest NFL scoring juggernauts.

From 1990 to the 1993 season, Kelly guided the Bills to a record four consecutive Super Bowls. However, the team lost each game.

He also received first-team All-Pro honors in 1991 and was named to five Pro Bowls. Kelly is a devoted Jesus follower and has various business ventures.

How did Jim Kelly and Jill Kelly meet?

Soon afterward her graduation, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration, Jill started dating Kelly. They first met at a party at Jim’s house. However, she was in a relationship at that time.

THE FIRST TIME JILL MET JIM, HE TRIED TO GRAB HER ATTENTION BY PELTING HER WITH ICE CUBES.

However, his tricks did not win him her heart or contact number when he asked how to get in touch.

She said that it was great to meet him but refused to be in touch. Later, he bought her a bouquet of flowers, and finally, she agreed to lunch.

One of Jill’s first dates with Kelly was at Fox Valley Country Club. She was skeptical regarding the sports star’s commitment, so she moved to Florida. She moved back to Buffalo when Kelly asked her to move in with him.

Jill Kelly’s Bond with Jim’s Family

Kelly was impressed with Jill on her closeness with his family. He is known for his strong bond to his mother, who he refers to as “StAlice,” and his siblings.

In addition, there is an incident where he broke up with his girlfriend because his family didn’t like her.

Jim opened up about the relationship in an interview with Buffalo Magazine that his family would have to accept the person he settled down with. Kelly also added that people say that’s not fair to the lady, and he also doesn’t think it is, but that’s reality.

According to Dan Kelly, the bother of Jim, the family stamp of approval is not a big deal for Jill. He said that Jim has this glow in his eyes that is clearly visible when he talks about her.

In addition, the most crucial member of the Kelly family gave Jelly the thumbs-up. Kelly’s mom is a great judge of character, and she loves her.

Jim Kelly & Jill Kelly: Engagement

Like every couple’s engagement, Kelly and Jill’s engagement was also surprising. Kelly surprised her by taking her to one of their favorite restaurants called Ilio DePaolo’s Restaurant in Blasdell.

Since they usually went to that place, Jill had an inch of idea about Kelly’s surprise. It didn’t appear like anything out of the ordinary to her.

Biography of Jill Kelly[Age, Height, Wife, Kids, Family, Salary, Award & Net worth ]
Jim and Jill Kelly during their wedding (Source: Instagram)
                           

Then he said that he had a particular dessert order, and she remembered that he was very shy the whole time.

A moment later, the staff rolled out a cake along with a bigger than 2-carat diamond ring on top. It was a marquis solitaire which Kelly selected out himself.

Overwhelmed with the situation, she started to cry and said, “I will” on the spot. The pair tied the knot on May 18, 1996, and has been together for more than 25 years.

Charity Works

Jill and Jim have founded various organizations and events in honor of their son, including the Hunter James Kelly Research Institute, Hunter’s Day of Hope, and Hunter’s Hope.

When Jim was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2002, his speech was dedicated to his late son. The speech stated that the toughest person he has ever met was his hero, soldier, and son, Hunter.

The Hunter’s Hope Foundation was established in his name to aid and fund research into the fatal disease and to offer support and hope to its victims worldwide. Likewise, the annual Hunter’s Day of Hope is held on February 14.

The Hunter James Kelly Research Institute was founded in 2004 at the University in Buffalo, where clinicians and neuroscientists research myelin and its diseases.

Jill Kelly: Media Presence

After her marriage with Jim Kelly, Jill has frequently occurred in several famous T.V. shows and media lines. She was the co-host for a weekly TCT television show named “A Different View.”

In the show, she candidly talked about issues with a biblical perspective with the other four co-hosts.

Moreover, she was a featured columnist for the local monthly Christian Newspaper called “The Word.” It provided civic and community news from a Christian perspective.

Jill and Jim have shared Hunter’s story all over the world. The couple has appeared nationally on different television shows, including Good Morning America, Oprah, The Today Show, ESPN Fox Sports, The Discovery Channel, and others.

They have also appeared in various print publications, including McCall’s Magazine, Reader’s Digest, USA Today, and People.

Faith in God

Jill is intensely devoted to religion and due to her desire to share her hope and faith. She openly and candidly speaks at several engagements over the years, including Eastern Hills Wesleyan, Joshua’s Revolution Youth for Christ, and Family Life Network.

Jill perpetuates to encourage others and bring hope to those who are troubled through her knowledge of divine power.

She openly shows her belief in her Savior and Lord and inspires everyone to follow God’s path.

Despite the painful demise of her son, she has devoted her whole life to the testimony of faith and eternal hope in Jesus Christ.

Jill Kelly: Books

Jill has released several books like “Without a Word: How a Boys Unspoken Love Changed Everything,” “Prayers of Hope for The Brokenhearted,” “Prayers for Those Who Grieve.” The book depicts the story of the tragic loss of her son and how she coped with the situation.

Similarly, her daughters Erin Kelly Bean and Camryn are also authors and have always had a passion for journaling, writing, and sharing her faith in Jesus.
Moreover, Jill is a member of the board of Hunter’s Hope and often travels with her mum speaking to groups worldwide.

It is apparent that Jill’s impressive writing skills were passed to her beautiful daughters as they have collectively published the book series “Hot Chocolate with God.”

Jim Kelly & Jill Kelly: Children

Jim had three children named Erin, Hunter, and Camryn Kelly. His daughter Erin got married on January 13, 2018.

When Jim decided to retire, Jill was pregnant with their second child. The first boy of the family was born on Valentine’s Day in 1997 and named Hunter Kelly.

In addition, he shared a birthday with his father. Jim dreamed about playing baseball with his son.

But, unfortunately, when the boy was four months, he was diagnosed with Krabbe Disease, a chronic genetic disorder that affected his motor skills. So he never learned to speak.

Biography of Jill Kelly[Age, Height, Wife, Kids, Family, Salary, Award & Net worth ]
Jim and Jill Kelly’s late son Hunter Kelly (Source: Instagram)
                                   

Jill wished that Jim’s money or fame would provide a solution, but it couldn’t. At that moment, there was no cure, treatment, and earthly hope for the couple and Hunter.

Jill prayed to Jesus while Jim ran away. He was agitated that bad things kept happening and angry that God wasn’t with them. Unfortunately, it created a gulf between the couple.

On August 5, 2005, Hunter passed away due to a fatal disease at just eight years old.

Jill Kelly: Net Worth

There is no official information regarding Jim Kelly’s net worth. However, as per different trusted sources, the annual salary of an author in America is $61,240. In addition, Jill also earns a decent amount through her media appearances.

Moreover, she shares a massive fortune with her husband Jim Kelly, who has an estimated net worth of $25 million as of 2021. Although he retired more than two-decade ago, he still has a whopping net worth.

He has mainly accumulated this staggering net worth through his thriving football career. Moreover, he is also engaged in various endorsements and sponsorships.

Also, he founded Jim Kelly Inc. in 2011, a company that produces the MyFanClip line, which bears all sorts of team logos and other insignia.

In addition, he has also appeared in a few films that added a significant amount of wealth to his net worth.

Jill Kelly: Social Media Profile

Jill Kelly is quite active on social media platforms. She consistently posts pictures along with her husband and daughters.
You can find her on Instagram as @jillmkelly. Likewise, her husband is also active on Instagram as @jimkelly1212.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Jill Kelly’s maiden name?

Jill Kelly was born Jill Waggoner. She is known for her work on Rosie O’Donnell Show (1996), CBS This Morning (1992), and A Football Life (2011).

What disease does Jim Kelly have?

Jim Kelly revealed that he had been diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma, a form of cancer, in his upper jaw on June 3, 2013. At one point, he had stage IV cancer and had less than a 10% chance of survival. 
However, he went through 3 cancer diagnoses, and after multiple surgeries and treatment, he finally announced that he is now cancer-free.

Where did Jill and Jim Kelly get married?

Jill and Jim Kelly tied the knot in a Roman Catholic service at St. Christopher’s Church in suburban Buffalo. The marriage ceremony was lavish and attended by more than 600 guests.

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