Kelly Marie James Zummo, 48, of Bridgeport, passed away on January 1, 2021.

She was born June 19, 1972 in Gassaway, a daughter of Jill Marie Vankirk James and the late Melvin Dain James.

In addition to her father, Kelly was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Woodrow and Mary E. Vankirk and her paternal grandparents, Jesse and Clara James.

Kelly was a 1990 graduate of Braxton County High School.  After high school she headed north and graduated from West Virginia University with a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering (1995) and Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (1997).   Kelly began her career with a short assignment at the NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA, where she continued her graduate thesis research.  In March of 1998 Kelly seized the opportunity to return to the hills of West Virginia to embark on her long and successful aerospace/aviation career that culminated as Engineering Manager and Chief Engineer at Pratt & Whitney Engine Services (PWES) located in Bridgeport, WV.  During her tenure at PWES, she held several lead titles and worked with the PWES division out of Hartford, Connecticut and the parent company out of Montreal, Canada.  She trained many new engineers, supervisors and shop leads. Perhaps one of Kelly’s greatest contributions was to the children and young adults of the North central WV region.  She attended numerous schools and educations fairs, speaking to children about STEM education and careers in aerospace/aviation.  She toured hundreds of children and adults through the workplace.  Kelly’s connections with the local high schools were highly instrumental in the recent formation of Harrison County’s Aerospace Aviation Program.  Her generosity and grace were especially bright during Christmas season with her involvement with the annual Angel Tree and the Children’s Christmas Party.

Outside of work, Kelly was a sports mom and enjoyed watching her sons play basketball.  She loved to watch the Atlanta Braves play on television.  The beach was her happy place and she often vacationed at Myrtle Beach, SC.  Kelly loved antiques.  She was a member of Simpson Creek Baptist Church in Bridgeport.  She had a positive personality and was helpful to others.

She will be lovingly remembered by her two sons, Vincent Gabriel “Gabe” Zummo and Dominic James “Dom” Zummo, both of Bridgeport; mother, Jill Marie Vankirk James of Gassaway; sisters, Melissa Kitzmiller and husband, Ron, of Heaters, Marcia James of Charleston; niece, Katelyn Kitzmiller; several aunts, uncles and cousins and her golden retriever, Dax.

She will be profoundly missed by all who knew her.

Due to Covid 19 private family services will be held at Gassaway Baptist Church with Reverend Mark Stump officiating.

Interment will be in the Chrisman Memorial Cemetery, Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to a domestic violence organization of your choice in memory of Kelly James Zummo.  An account has been set up for her sons, Gabe and Dom, and checks may be made payable to Gabe Zummo or Kirk Cistaro and mailed to 28 Marjorie Court, Clarksburg, WV 26301.

Words of comfort and fond memories may be extended to the family at www.roachfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements by Roach Funeral Home, Gassaway.