James "Jim" Ferrell Kellett

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

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

In addition to their children, he is survived by six grandchildren; John Cody, Ty Nathan, Lane Kellett and Chase Ferrell Crowden; Gage Patrick Kellett and Dalton King; also 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, Russell, Jeffrey, and Albert Rowland.

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

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

Visitation will begin at 11 a.m. until the service time at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 12, 2020, at McCombs Funeral Home in Jackson, Missouri, with burial to follow in Russell Heights Cemetery.  Johnny Hester and Larry Dowdy will officiate, with  eulogy being given by grandson, Ty Nathan Crowden.   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. 

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

The family wishes to extend special thanks to the doctors and staff of the Thoracic ICU at Southeast Hospital, 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. 

Donations may be made in Jim’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or a charity of your choosing.

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