James Vail Ketchum, 43, beloved father, son, husband, friend, and coach, departed this world suddenly on Thursday, March 17, 2011.
Jim, as his friends called him, was born on July 21, 1967. He grew up in Arlington, Virginia, but has lived in “Scuffletown, Virginia,” for the past fifteen years. Jim was a faithful member of New Hope United Methodist Church; most recently served as group home director of Destiny House, and was the soccer coach for numerous recreational and school teams. Jim was also one of the proud “founding Fathers” of the Charlotte County Youth Soccer League.
He is survived by his two children, Savannah and Nicholas Ketchum; his parents, Phil and Edna Ketchum; his wife, Deborah Ketchum; his sister, Karen Butt; and three nieces, Cater Neiswander, Shelby Butt, and Cassidy Butt; one nephew, Evan Neiswander; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
He is preceded in death by all four of his grandparents; Dyer and Helen Ketchum, and Richard and Gladys Hancock.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, March 20, 2011, in New Hope United Methodist Church in Randolph, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Charlotte County Soccer League or to a charity of choice. The Browning-Duffer Funeral Home in Keysville, Virginia is in charge of arrangements.
