James Kellett

James Ferrell "Jim" Kellett was born to the late Ferrell and Clara Lanell Jamieson Kellett Dec. 22, 1939, and passed from this earthly life into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020.

Jim was united in marriage with Sue Rowland on April 2, 1965. To their union were born two children, Christi Kellett (Nate) Crowden and James Patrick Kellett.

He was a member of the Church of Christ.

Jim lived in Mississippi County, Missouri, his entire life, until he and Sue moved to Jackson in 2004. Jim often said he had the "happiest childhood ever." He rode horses and was an avid follower of rodeo, attending the National Finals Rodeo in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and Las Vegas many years.

Jim served eight years for the Army National Guard of Missouri. He was employed by Potashnick Construction Co. during the construction of Interstates 57 and 55 in this area, eventually becoming employed by Associated Natural Gas Co. for 31 years before retiring in 1999.

His love of life came from sharing in the interests, sports and accomplishments of not only his children, but also his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed playing golf for many years and made good friends along the way before having back surgery, which prevented him from playing.

In addition to his children, he is survived by six grandchildren, John Cody, Ty Nathan, Lane Kellett and Chase Ferrell Crowden and Gage Patrick Kellett and Dalton King; three great-grandchildren, August and Adilyn Crowden of Jackson and Avery Crowden of Malvern, Iowa. Survivors also include four nieces, Karen Turley, Jill Burton, Jennifer Hipp and Brigette Rowland Stephen; five nephews, Phil Rowland, Kevin Collier and Russell, Jeffrey and Albert Rowland.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Etha Linda Collier; his brothers-in-law, Claude Collier and Phillip Rowland; and sister-in-law, Anna Sue Rowland.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until service time at 1 p.m. Thursday at McCombs Funeral Home in Jackson with Johnny Hester and Larry Dowdy officiating. A eulogy will be given by a grandson, Ty Nathan Crowden. Burial will follow in Russell Heights Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Jim's six grandsons. Honorary pallbearers will be his cousins, Tim Kellett, Gary Kight, Stephen, Timothy, Thomas and Michael McLain, Jeremiah and W. C. Jamieson, and nephew, Kevin Collier.

An invitation is extended to family and friends to attend this service in honor of Jim. However, everyone is asked to wear a mask at all times and practice social distancing for the safety of all.

The family wishes to extend special thanks to the doctors and staff of Southeast Hospital's Cardiac Thoracic ICU and to Landmark Hospital for their care of Jim. A special thanks is extended to Dr. David Law, Jim's cardiologist and special friend, and to Dr. C. Edward LaValle for his daily visits and care.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or a charity of your choosing.