James Edward Ketcham, Jr. (Jim) (49)
Fellow believer in Jesus Christ, member Northside Baptist Church
Friday, January 2, 2009
Verteran’s Hospital, Bay Pines
Pancreatic Cancer
Jim was born November 11, 1959, Elgin, Illinois, Cook County, to Velma Lorene and James Edward Ketcham, Sr. How proud they were to welcome Dad’s namesake to the family.
Jim was welcomed by his two sisters, Loretta Ann (8 years old) and Kathryn Jean (7 years old). Jim’s mom was a nuturing mother, she eagerly and willingly showed how to diaper, bath, sing to, play with, take for a walk, you name it, he was a living baby doll for them. Jim was never bashful, loved life, people, going on neighbor treks, and when the opportunity presented itself, at three he kissed a little blonde haired, blued eyed cutey. Only, the parents of the little girl, they were not as enthusiastic, once the kissed was planted, they were off. We all applauded Jim for his friendliness. Jim had a zest for life, to live, laugh and love was evident. Jim was known by the neighborhood, the Ketcham girls were known for the daily search and retreveal of Jim. In middle school, Jim secured his first job, as a paper boy. He not only covered residential but, a local shopping center in
Though his high school years were rocky, once he entered into the Navy USS, December 15, 1989, he followed the footsteps of his Dad, James E. Ketcham, Sr. During his service to our country, Jim received: Joint Meritorious Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation (2nd), Battel “E”, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Second Good Conduct Medal for period ending November 01, 1991. On, June 1992 Jim received an Honorable Discharge. Due to physical disablility, Jim then secured employment with the Verterans Administration in
Jim met Deborah Ann Davis, while stationed in
Jim is survived by Deborah Ann Ketcham (Debbie), in
These individuals knew Jim as “Uncle Jim”, who was bigger than life to them. He never missed a band performance, attended all the graduations (James Andrew’s being the most memorable, while he kept saying it was only indigestion, Jim had an Acute Myocardial Infarction at the close of the commencement exercises, Jim went home to get some anacids, when he told Debbie to call 911, it was an eventful night, but the good Lord allowed us more time with Uncle Jim. Uncle Jim was present at the weddings (this time Alexander at his wedding, sprang a leak, from his Gastric Bypass, mind you Jim felt he could make the journey from St. Petersburg to Hollywood, Florida, while he and Debbie did, they had to leave early due the incision site, Mr. Frost from the Christian Missionary Alliance Church, where the wedding was held, being a EMT came to the rescue. He redressed the wound, and Jim and Debbie left early from the reception, with Debbie who as a rule does not drive on long distance treks, but Debbie rose to the need. (Way to go Debbie).
Nephews and Nieces: Lorene Ruth Wilcoxen, Jennifer Ellen Wilcoxen, (great niece: Emma Grace)
Jim is also survived by his beloved Pepper (Solid black Cocker Spaniel – 11 years old) and Shelby (Basset Hound 2 years old), how they miss their head pats, good scratch behind the ears, and those belly rubs. They will not forget you, ever.
Funeral Services
Friday, January 9, 2009, 11:00 am service
Private Family-Viewing 9:30 am with the Public Viewing at 10:00 am
Funeral Service
Friday, January 9, 2009, 11:00 am service
Northside Baptist Church-Main Sanctuary
727-381-3642
Pastor Tim Kroll-Officiating
DEBBIE, JAMES AND MELISSA,
WORDS CANNOT EXPRESS HOW WE FEEL AT THE LOSS OF JIM. JIM WAS A GOOD MAN. I PRAY THAT YOU CAN FIND SOME COMFORT IN KNOWING THAT HE IS IN A BETTER PLACE AND ALL OF HIS PAIN AND SUFFERING ARE OVER. IT IS A SAD DAY FOR ALL OF US THAT HE IS NO LONGER WITH US. I KNOW HE WILL BE WATCHING OVER YOU. HE WAS ALWAYS SO VERY PROUD OF ALL OF YOU.
WE HAD SOME FUN TIMES ON OUR TRIPS AND VISITS WITH YOU GUYS AND ARE SO GLAD WE HAD THE CHANCE TO SPEND TIME WITH ALL OF YOU.
MUCH LOVE,
JANET and PAUL REISSIG and FAMILY
Debbie, James and Melissa. I’m deeply sorry for a loss to your family and to the entire family. Please know that I wish I could have been then to see Jim one last time living and at the services as well. Though I’m thousands of miles away in a desolate land where theres not much to look at, the one thing that is apeasing to the eye is the stars on a clear night. Looking at the stars is like looking up to where Jim is and I know that he is looking down on all of his family saying “I am ok now.” My heart and prayers. Robert
Debbie, James and Melissa. We are so saddened at the loss of Jim. He was such a good man and a great human being, always being one who would give the proverbial ’shirt off his back’ if someone needed it. After I met Jimbo, I always kind of felt that I had 2 brothers named Jim. James and Melissa, he was so very proud of both of you and your accomplishments – he and Debbie did a great job raising you two. His passing has left a big hole in our office and an even bigger one in our hearts. We will all miss him terribly and want you all to know that we are here for you. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Joy and Jeff
TO JIM’S FAMILY: Please my heartfelt condolences on your loss.
I’m sorry to hear of your loss. I worked with Jim for about 2 12 years at the VA. He was very veteran friendly and I could always as him anything and he would be gllad to help. He was a good soul and he will definitely be missed. God Bless.
I met Jim 212 years ago when I moved here from Utah and new to the VA system. He was a great help and always made time to answer any questions this green horn newbie might have. He was the subsistence award guru, and I still use the skills and knowledge he taught me. I will miss him greatly. My prayers are with you in your loss. Brenda
Words cannot express how deeply sorry we are for your loss. I remember how proud I was of Jim in pursuing his goals. I remember I used to drop of Will and Ethan with you and Jim and I would drive to work together. He was an amazing man and he will be greatly missed. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and the kids. Contact us if you need anything at all. Have faith and let God lead you through this time of grief and sorrow.
God bless you!!!
The Conrad Family
I am so sorry for your loss. I will never forget Jim’s hugs and smiles.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Mendy
Words cannot express how deeply sorry we are for your loss. I remember how proud I was of Jim in pursuing his goals. I remember I used to drop of Will and Ethan with you and Jim and I would drive to work together. He was an amazing man and he will be greatly missed. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and the kids. Contact us if you need anything at all. Have faith and let God lead you through this time of grief and sorrow. God bless you!!! The Conrad Family
I am sad to lose a co-worker who was such a great asset to the VRandE team at the RO. I will never forget his antidotal comments in discussions. My sympathy and prayers towards his family and friends. Mark
Debbie, James and Melissa. My sincerest sympathy for your loss. I worked as a counselor with Jim for 5 years. During that time, among other things, he was my go-to guy for all things financial. He will be tremendously missed, not only by his friends and collegues, but also by the veterans that he served. I always enjoyed conversations with Jim and the humor that he would use to lighten otherwise tense situations. My prayers are with you.
I just wanted to express to you how sorry I am for the tremendous loss you all have had to endure. Jim was my mentor when I started at the VA and I will miss his quick wit and willing spirit. Jim had a way of always understanding when I needed sympathy and when I just needed a good joke. I will miss him!!! My prayers are with you and all of your family.
Dear Debbie, James and Melissa. I had the privilege of working with Jim for several years at the St. Pete RO. He was a tremendous help to me as a new counselor and always ready to impart his “subsistance” wisdom. Jim had a great sense of humor, and I can still hear his laughter and see his Cheshire cat smile . My deepest and heartfelt sympathies to all of you. Chris
Debbie words cannot convey my sorry to you and kids. I worked with Jim in St. Pete when the office was downtown, worked with him for 7 yrs in voc rehab. I think of him often and miss the rubberband fights we had. Take Care and God will heal your hearts
I shall always remember Jim as being one of my best students in our Master’s degree program at USF — very bright, highly skilled, compassionate and well-grounded, yet with a tremendous sense of optimism about people and the world (which rubbed off on everyone around him). My heart goes out to his family.
Bill
Debbie, James and Melissa. I’m very sorry for your loss, As I’m sure Jim has told you, we were the best of friends from way back in the Navy days. Jim and I were in the same boot camp company back in 1981 we also served on the USS McKee and the USS Fahrion together..over the four years we spent together we became close friends. Driving together from Coast to Coast and North to South. Through the years we kept in touch, sadly not as much as I now wish, but the great thing was even if we didn’t talk to each other often, when we did talk it was like we were together the day before. As I look at some pictures that I have of him, I have tons a great memories that he helped create, memories that will be with me for the rest of my life.
I will miss my Buddy dearly. Ron
Dear Debbie, James and Melissa, I am very sorry to hear of your loss. Actually, a great loss to all that knew Jim. I have known Jim for many years. He was a clerk for me at the VA when he was just starting the Chapter 31 program. Later I was his case manager while he was completing school and eventually his co-worker. Jim was a special person. He was always happy to help, quick with a smile and hardy laugh, he was someone that could brighten your day. Celebrate his life, as there was much to celebrate. My condolences. Jane Buboltz
Debbie, James and Melissa:
I was the lucky one that interviewed Jim and wrote his initial Chapter 31 rehabilitation plan. I knew he would succeed at whatever he set out to do. I was very proud to have known and worked with him at the Regional Office. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this sad time. Terry ODonnell
Debbie,James,and Melissa. I am so sorry for your loss. Jim was an amazing man, but I know I don’t need to tell you that. I am privileged to have known Jim and to have been his colleague and friend. I will miss him. Hope you find comfort in knowing how he has touched so many lives while here on earth. My heart and prayers are with you.
Peggi
Debbie, James and Melissa. My family and I are deeply sorry for your loss. Jim was not only a co-worker, but a wonderful friend who will be missed by us all.
Mrs. Ketcham, James and Melissa, Im so sorry for your loss. Mr. Ketcham was a great and kind man. When i first met your family it didnt take long to see how much he loved and cherished you all. I know that he is looking down on you and smiling.I love you all very much.
Susan Bach
Debbie, James, Melissa, and family: Even though I only had the pleasure of working with Jim for only a few months, it did not take me long to realize what an amazing man he was. There are not enough words for me to express my sadness and the emptiness that we all at VRandE are feeling. Jim’s big heart, intelligence, and passion for life were some of the wonderful qualities that I will always remember about him. My deepest condolences go out to you and your family at this unfotunate time. He will never be forgotten and always loved. Jill Harrison
I heard about Jims passing thru an email from Ron Malaro, thanks again Ron. Me and jim were shipmates on the USS Fahrion and on a few occaisions drove down together from Mayport, I only recently remembered that he lived locally and was planning to look him up. Let this be a lesson to not waste time. Jim will be missed, I will try to make it to the service today.
Debbie, James and Melissa, I had the honor and pleasure of knowing Jim since I was first involved with the VA in the mid 1990’s and saw him progress from a work study clerk to an excellent counselor. He was one of the kindest people I have ever known and a good friend. I will miss him so much. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Dear Mrs. Ketcham and family,
Thank you! Thank you! I am forever grateful for your kind, honest, and, truly, joyful biolife story about Mr. Ketcham’s adventures! I was shocked, disappointed, and grieving because I had not completed Vocational Rehab. I feel saddened that Mr. Ketcham is with God. But he opened the door to endless training and job opportunities that I had forgotten! So, I will pursue the goal of either self-employment or directions that his notes have already discribed =) Again, I know Mr. Ketcham is Home with our Lord and Savior God. His spirit, faith, and support of veteran programs will last forever. May God Bless You, and Your family in always.
With sympathy and peace of mind, Simply me, Avis
I miss you dad. you were the perfect father and I will never forget all the wonderful lessons you taught me. Dont worry about me mom and james. we will be fine because you taught us what we need to know. I know you are having a blast in Heaven just waiting till its our time too.
Love you forever and ever
your daughter
Debbie, James and Melissa I’d only met and spoke with Jim a few times, now I feel as though I know him better through this beautiful sharing of his life and testimony. Heaven is enjoying some sweet fellowship of saints. May God continue to bring you His peace and comfort. Love and prayers, Dan and Jeannie
Jim I miss you everyday. Everything reminds me of you.It is hard to not hear your silly jokes and watch your funny dances.You will always be in my heart.Save a place for me. We will see each other again. Love your wife Debbie.
Jim and I met when we were 15 years old, and we became best freinds. Even though it was during the aboved mentioned “rocky high school years” I would never trade a precious moment. The first time we both left home we moved in together, and only after 3 months of sharing an apartment with me he came home one day and told me he joined the Navy. I can remember sitting with Jim, we called him Ketch,at that small white kitchen table on 4th ave south as we gained the wise counsel of his mom. I remember going to Derby Lane and stopping by to say hi to his dad, he would look up over his reading glasses from the race program and advise us not to spend much and to have a good time. I learned to play pinochle at Kathy and Alex’s home. During boot camp and his time in San Diego I would record cassette tapes at parties and have all his friends say a few words, later Jim told me how much he enjoyed those tapes. Jim had a large circle of friends, people were drawn to him. I remember coming home finding a sailor sleeping on my couch, another in the chair, and Jim in my bed,surprise! Although my travels to Alaska and Oregon took time away, we always stayed in touch. I would never miss the chance when visiting Florida to see Jim. We never missed a beat,all that distance never lessened our friendship. I am sorry that I was not there at the end, but was very happy to attend the services in St. Pete and Bushnell, what a beautiful day and did those attending notice the beautiful red sky that night, a sailor’s delight? Part of the reason I am the man I am today is due to Jim’s friendship and counsel. Some people call them the good ole days, Bruce Springsteen calls them glory days. I cannot separate the early days of 34 years ago from the days we shared 15 months ago in Vegas, they are all glory days!
Jim, 15 to 49, what an honor to share this time with you my friend. Shattered my emotions rise and fall on the memories of all we have shared. What is friendship if not the gift of shared time, trust, and love? Oh the precious times we have had. You have brought such joy to my journey. I turn my grief to the open road and the poets of the air waves we grew up on.
Dave
Jim was a great guy- always kind to others and willing to give. I had fond memories of learning how to drive a stick shift transmission in his old Mercury Capris in high school. Jim will be missed by all.
im so sorry to read of jims passing am moveing to the area was going to look him up since it was yrs since we served together on the fahrion he will be missed was a funny well liked guy