He grew up in Northeast Kansas City, Missouri. His friends in the neighborhood knew him as Jim Bill. That's where he learned to play baseball. He moved to Independence, Missouri. He graduated from Truman High School. Mr. Ketchum worked for the Ford Motor Company in the Claycomo Plant for over 33 years.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Setta (Wilhelm) Ketchum, two sisters, Jodean Swait and April Ketchum, and one brother John Ketchum. He is survived by his wife, Una Ketchum, two sons Dustin Ketchum and Austin Ketchum, one sister, Cynthia Ghenn, one sister-in-law, Jennifer Ketchum, many nieces and nephews, and a lifelong friend, Jimmy Trantham.
A visitation for James will be held Friday, June 24, 2022 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, MO 64131. A funeral service will follow at 5:00 p.m. A reception will follow the service at 6:00 p.m.