James Eugene Ketchen

His educational journey reflected a lifelong commitment to learning and included Boston Technical High School (1965), Northeastern University (1965–1968), Boston University (1974–1975), and a return to school later in life that culminated in an associate degree from DeKalb College in Atlanta, Georgia.

James’ journey was punctuated by his service in the United States Army from April 18, 1968, to April 16, 1971, including a tour in Vietnam from September 1969 to September 1970. He served in the Signal Corps with the job of ground control radio repairman. His military service helped pave the way for a long career in telecommunications at BellSouth, from which he retired after 30 years.

James joined Emmanuel Lutheran Church in the 1990s and was an active member for many years. During his time there, he served by opening the church each Sunday morning and sharing his lovely tenor voice with the choir. He was an avid golfer; a lover of history, music, and movies (especially mysteries, swashbucklers, and westerns); and one of the funniest people you could ever meet.

James is survived by his daughter, Bethany Ketchen; his beloved grandson, Nathan Ketchen Collins; his sisters, Carlotta Rhodes (Richard) and Jacquelyn Jones; his niece, Melissa Ellis (Maurice, Jr, Leah, Maurice III); his nephew, Deland Jones (Katie, Nathanial, Alanna, Edison); his cousins, including Adrienne Turner (Alyse), Donna Turner, Donald Turner, Tamika Jones, and others; and many other family members, friends, and neighbors.

Though he is gone from this place, he will be forever present in our laughter, the melodies of his favorite songs, and the many memories we shared. May that knowledge and his legacy bring comfort to all who mourn his passing.

A private committal service will be held in James' honor on Friday, May 8, 2026 at 9:00 am at the Georgia National Cemetery, 1080 Scott Hudgens Drive, Canton, GA 30114. Attendees are asked to arrive prior to 9:00 am per protocol. Army honors will be rendered prior to inurnment in the columbarium.

In lieu of flowers, we invite you to honor him in ways he loved: donate to a charity or veterans’ organization, play a round of golf, attend a concert, or settle in to watch a good, old movie.

Please share a memory or condolence with the family at www.nationalcremation.com.