Deborah Ketcham, 61 years of age passed on Friday March 22,2019, at Lakeland Regional Hospital. She was born September 19,1957 in Jacksonville, Florida.
Deborah met her two lifelong best friends, Janet and Tammy, working at Pantry Pride. She met the love of her life, James E. Ketcham Jr., while she was out for a girls night. The song, “Dancing in the Dark”, came on and Deborah asked James to dance, since that moment they were smitten.
On July 6, 1985 they were married in Jacksonville, Florida at Mayport Naval Station’s Chapel. Soon after marriage they had two children, James E Ketcham III and Melissa Ketcham. In a love note that Jim sent to her while he was serving in the US Navy oversees on the USS Paul on August 26, 1990 he describes her as the most beautiful mother, wife, and friend. Deborah’s world revolved around her perfect little family. Deborah and everyone around her knew that her children were her greatest accomplishments in life.
She touched many lives through being a lifelong caregiver to children, elderly, and animals. When she retired she enjoyed spending time with her family, going out with her friends, going to church, and spending time with her two cats. She was a compassionate, loving, thoughtful, selfless, amazing woman.
Deborah leaves to cherish her loving memory to her children, James E Ketcham III and Melissa Windsor, son in law Greg Windsor, future daughter in law Melissa Turcotte; granddaughter, Emily; The Panagiotacos, The Wilcoxens, The Masons, The Butterfields, and The Ricottillis; and also every son and daughter that she counted as her own through the friendships of her children.
Funeral Services are scheduled for Friday, April 5, 2019, at Northside Baptist Church, 6000 38th Ave North, St. Petersburg, Florida 33710. A Public Visitation will commence at 9:00AM and a Funeral Service will follow with Pastor Tom Kroll conducting the service. A Committal Service will begin at 12:30PM at Florida National Cemetery, 6502 SW 102nd Ave, Bushnell, Florida. She will be interred with her husband who passed away in 2009.
A beautiful tribute to a beautiful soul. Rest in Peace my dear friend. I will forever and always cherish our friendship.
Love always and forever BFF,
Janet
James, Melissa, and all extended family,
I had the extreme pleasure to work with Jim for 12 years at the VA and in that process hear all the stories from Jim about his love for his family and the events of the kids when they were younger. Debbie was an amazing person and after we developed an award in Jim’s name she kept in touch to keep me posted over the years. She always kept me current on the kids and how she was doing. Debbie will be missed by everyone on the Earth but I can imagine a great reunion in Heaven! I know she is back with Jimbo! Prayers for Comfort for all of you. 🙏 Kim
S0 s0rry for your loss James and all the family. You are in my prayers. Patti
James and Melissa and family. So very sorry to hear of Debbie’s passing. She was a wonderful, kind and gentle lady and her family was her pride and joy. She will be missed. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Joy and Jeff Currie
Wishing you all the peace tha the Holyfield spirit can offer during this difficult time. I always loved your mom. She will be missed. Prayers to each of you.
Mama Deb was a wonderful person inside and out. I was honoured to know her. She always had a smile on her face and was always genuinely interested in everyone’s well-being. She will be deeply missed. I know my best friend, Melissa will always have a beautiful angel watching over her…you and her daddy are now togther again, dancing in heaven!
The words written were beautiful and so true….I send my sincere condolences to both James and Melissa. You both were her greatest joys from birth.💗💗. I am saddened by her passing. I know that she is no longer in pain. I’m at peace cause I know she’s with the love of life Jim 💘. Debbie will always hold a special place in my heart so will our many memories. REST IN PEACE MY BFF.LOVE YOUR BFF TAMMY ❤