James Keltner

James Leon Keltner, 65, of Bridgman passed away on Saturday, April 12, 2014 after an unfortunate accident while helping a neighbor.

A family committal service will take place at Ruggles Cemetery, Baroda. There will be a gathering of family and friends to remember and honor Jim’s life from 2:30- 4:30 pm Friday, April 18, 2014 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Family Life Center, 9650 N. Church Street, Bridgman. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan, 641 S. Crystal, Benton Harbor, MI 49022.

Jim was born March 6, 1949 in South Bend, Indiana the son of Harrison Virgil and Wanda Lee (Saffell) Keltner. On December 15, 1989 he married Diane Ida Haase and they shared 24 years together. Jim worked as a commercial truck driver for over 20 years retiring in 2006.

Survivors include his wife - Diane; children - Angela (Allen) Ales of Bridgman, Jim Keltner of Tempe, Arizona, Susan (Hans) Van den Heuvel of Carmel, Indiana, Scott (Elizabeth) Nelson of Baroda, Steve Nelson of St. Joseph; eight grandchildren; three great grandchildren; mother - Wanda Keltner of Bridgman; brother - Gerald Keltner of Bridgman; and sister - Linda (Richard) Cockriel of Holt, Missouri.

Jim was preceded in death by his father Harrison Keltner in 1984 and a step daughter Cindy Nelson in 1995.