He was born in Chicago, Ill and lived most of his childhood in the Hammond, IN area. He is preceded in death by his parents, James Leroy and Velma Rhea Kelso. He is survived by his wife Beth Kelso, sons Pete Kelso (Mercedes), Mike Kelso (Susan), his sister Pamela Arnold (Don), Carol Kelso (mother of Pete and Mike), and grandchildren Liam Kelso, Brendan Kelso, Catherine Kelso and Jonathan Kelso.
He graduated from George Rogers Clark HS in Whiting, IN in 1958 where he served as student body president, editor of the school paper and was a letter athlete in baseball, football and track.
Jim attended the US Naval Academy and served a six year term in the Naval Reserves. He graduated from Purdue University in 1964 with a dual degree in journalism and math. While at Purdue, he played on the baseball team and served as the editor of The Bard. He received his MBA from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management in 1968.
Jim spent his early professional career with Aladdin Industries in Nashville, TN, serving as Sr. V.P. of International Operations. He travelled the world working to establish business in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Australia, and North and South America. He was appointed to the Tennessee Economic Development Council by then Governor Lamar Alexander, serving as the chair in 1985. Additionally, he served several years as an active member of the Industry Sector Advisory Committee for Trade Policy for the US Secretary of Commerce. In these roles, Jim was one of the first western businessmen allowed into China in 1978.In the latter part of his career, Jim was Executive Vice President and CFO for Viam Manufacturing, Inc. in Santa Fe Springs, CA and Manchester, TN before retiring to his home in Nashville in 2002.
Jim was an avid golfer, intrepid international traveler and fly fisherman (a hobby he enjoyed most with Pete and Mike). His other joys in life included spending time with his wife, Beth (married 4/23/05), and his extended family. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
There will be a celebration of Jim's life on October 8, from 4:00 – 6:00 pm at the family home.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that remembrances be made to the efforts to cure neurofibromatosis at www.nfincne.org
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