James D. “Sam” Ketchem, 84, of Butler, Pennsylvania, passed away on Wednesday, October 25, 2017 at his residence.
He was born July 4, 1933 in Renfrew, Pennsylvania to the late William Clarence Ketchem and Marie Anna Masters Ketchem.
James was a member of Nixon Methodist Church. He worked as a machinist at Armco Steel for 42 years before retiring. James coached baseball for 27 years in Penn Township where he coached all of his sons. He was a member of a bowling and golfing leagues. James enjoyed spending time with his horse of 17 years named “Sweetheart” He especially loved playing with his great granddaughter Michelle, and watching hockey, baseball and football.
He is survived by his wife, Deloris LeFever Ketchem who he married on May 28, 1955, three sons, Jim Ketchem of Jacksonville, FL, Rick Ketchem and his wife Suze of Brighton, CO, and Rusty Ketchem of Butler, PA; two daughters, Cindy Brown of Russellville, AR, and Christine Ketchem of Cincinnati, OH; eleven grandchildren, Lee, Kevin, Rick, Jason, Ryan, Ross, Ryan, Zach, Levi, Shannon, and Meghan; and nineteen great grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Michele Ketchem; daughter-in-law, Tammy Ketchem; three brothers,Walt, Dean,and Charles Ketchem; and one sister, Glenna Ketchem.
Friends will be received Saturday, October 28, 2017, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm at Thompson – Miller Funeral Home, Inc., 124 East North Street Butler, PA. Funeral services will be held immediately following at 8:00 pm with Reverend William Winzeler, officiating.
In lieu flowers, donations may be made to American Cancer Society, 320 Bilmar Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15205.
Online condolences can be given at www.thompson-miller.com.