James E. Kelm
January 6, 1932 – July 18, 2024
James E. (Jim) Kelm, USAF (Ret) Colonel, went to be with the Lord and his wife of 58 years, Connie, on July 18, 2024, at the age of 92. Jim was born in Grand Rapids, Minnesota to Fred and Kay Kelm on January 6, 1932. The family moved to Oklahoma City in 1946, where Jim attended Capitol Hill High School and then Oklahoma University. While at OU, he was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, Air Force ROTC, President of the RUF-NEKs, and an OU cheerleader. He majored in Aeronautical Engineering and after graduating in 1955, went to work for Douglas Aircraft Company in Tulsa, OK. He met his future bride, Connie Caswell at Douglas and they were married on February 11th, 1956. They left immediately for Florida, where Jim began primary pilot training in the U.S. Air Force. Jim graduated first in his class and was selected to advance to jet fighter pilot training. He served as a fighter pilot and in various command positions around the world throughout his 26 1/2-year Air Force career. These included two combat flying tours in Southeast Asia, during which he was shot down and rescued, command of a fighter squadron, Base Commander of the second largest Air Force base in Europe and ending back at OU as Commander of the Air Force ROTC detachment, where it all started. During this time, he and Connie had 5 children and relocated 16 times. Jim retried from the Air Force on July 31, 1982, and become President of Downtown Airpark, a business aircraft full service and repair facility, in Oklahoma City. He and Connie moved from Norman, OK to Edmond in August of 1985 and vowed they would never move again. Jim served at Downtown Airpark until June 1994, when he left to start his own aviation consulting business. He eased off consulting somewhat in late 2003 when he and Connie bought a vacation lake front property on Grand Lake in NE Oklahoma, and Jim decided that there must be life after the office. He was right…. but he missed flying til the day he died. A great blessing to both Jim and Connie was that all of their five “children” live in the Oklahoma City/Edmond area. Jim is preceded in death by his beloved Connie, and is survived by their son, Rick and wife Kristi, daughter Kathleen and husband David, daughter Pamela and husband Don, son Jim Jr. (JR) and Nancy Kelm, and son Matt and wife Kathy, 14, grandchildren, and 20 great grandchildren. Jim loved his family and treasured his many friends at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, particularly those in the “A Team”. He is loved and missed very much! Services will be at 10am, Monday, July 29, 2024, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 9th and Blvd, in Edmond. Military Honorary burial services will be at 1pm, Monday, July 29, 2024, at Rose Hill Cemetery in OKC. Please use the following link to live stream the service
My grandpa was an extraordinary man! He will be very much missed. We love and miss him terribly!
He was one of my favorite men. my most memorable moment was when I was working at Brent’s, he grabbed my face and planted a kiss on my lips. I don’t usually blush but I did that day. Jim was one of a kind. So kind hearted. So welcoming. He and his family made me feel like I had known them forever. Jim you will be missed. Love you
Jim and I were more than just cousins, we shared a unique bond being the “brother” neither of us had. Jim, I look forward to reuniting with you in God’s Kingdom!! Bob
May he Rest In Peace!!! Sounds like a wonderful man. Going to share this with my mom – bc it’s likely that he & my mother & father probably knew each other-approximately same ages & after OU they went to Florida for my dad’s USAF pilot training…. Small world… Prayers for his family & friends & loved ones!!!🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
I didn’t get to spend a lot of time with Jim but the times I was fortunate enough to spend with him were special. He would come into the restaurant with his girls and light up the room. He commanded attention every time he came in and he would always ask me if I remembered him. I would shake his and tell him, “Yes sir, I sure do, you’re that retired Naval Pilot, Right?” And it was on from there. He would grab my arm and laugh. Mr. Jim you will be missed and I’m so happy you are flying again, Go Air Force!!
I know you are having a wonderful welcome in Heaven. Your faith was impeccable. I always admired you, from the first time I met you and Pam when joining St John Catholic Church. The two of you made me feel at home immediately. I loved our little A Team group. I don’t think I ever had that and probably never will again. We all were a very close group and had many great times. It will not be the same without you, especially with your infectious laugh. Prayers from Bear and me for all your family, Jim. We all loved you and will miss you!
My dad was the BEST father in the world!!! He was my best friend, my hero, the best grandfather to Ryan & all of his cousin’s & just the best dad anyone can have!! He did amazing things in life & never boasted about them but stayed humble until later in life when we asked & he shared his stories. He put God first in life & kept true to his faith! I’m so proud to call you dad…. just know you’ll be so missed, especially playing cards, backgammon & all our father-daughter talks. I know you’re with Jesus, Mom, and out of pain. Until we see you again… We love you!!! Ryan, Kathleen & David, Brandon & Stephanie. ❤️
Colonel and Mrs. Kelm were wonderful people. I was proud to with him at RAF Lakenheath. He was an inspiration and taught us all so much!