James R. Kellmurray was chosen as the Grand Marshal of Utica's St. Patrick's Day Parade. He was elected unanimously out of a list of candidates by a committee of past Grand Marshals.

Kellmurray was raised in the center of Irish culture, East Utica and is a grandson of immigrants from County Glaway. He graduated from Francis DeSales High School and Niagara University. James served in the US Army and participated in the invasion of Normandy in 1944.

James is a member of a long list of organizations including holding the longest-running membership in the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick.

This year will mark the first time the Great American Irish Festival will host the parade. It will be held on Saturday, March 15th at 10:00 AM. The parade starts at Oneida Square, traveling north on Genesee Street to Columbia Street.