Obituary of James K. Kerlin

James Keelty Kerlin was born April 23, 1935 in Baltimore, MD to Thomas Henry and Agnes (Keelty) Kerlin. He passed away peacefully at home in Tulsa Saturday, September 24, 2016 after a long struggle with COPD at the age of 81. Jim was a 1953 graduate of Fountain Valley School in Colorado Springs, CO. and served in the U. S. Army from 1954-1956. In 1962 he received his B.A. from the University of Tulsa. Jim and Jean Ann Vanwy were married June 9, 1962. They were blessed with two beautiful children, Katherine Elizabeth in 1964 and James Keelty, Jr. in 1966. Before his professional career began, Jim worked summers as a guard at the Pensacola Dam on Grand Lake. He later enjoyed spending time with family & friends at a cabin on the lake. He loved to travel all his life, visiting Europe, many places in the U.S. and enjoying a cruise to Alaska this year. Jim approached every opportunity with joy and enthusiasm, whether in his job, his volunteer service or leisure activities. Jim retired from Blue Cross Blue Shield as Vice President of Facilities and Purchasing. Previously, he worked for KWB Oil property management, The Williams Companies and Hilti Fastening Systems. He volunteered throughout his life, serving as Past President of Oklahoma Green Country Council of Camp Fire Girls, working with Junior Achievement, the Facilities Committee in the Tulsa Parks Department and after retirement, served as an Airport Ambassador through RSVP. Jim looked forward to every volunteer hour, especially when the airport bomb dogs would visit his desk. He always had a bag of dog treats to give them. Jim is survived by his wife of 54 years, Jean; his daughter, Katie Campbell; his son and daughter-in-law, Keelty and Leah Kerlin; his grandsons, Caleb and Kane Campbell; siblings, Sheila Prince and her husband, Paul, Richard Kerlin and his wife, Debby; sister-in-law, Helen Taylor and her husband, Neal; niece, Allison Vaughan and her husband, Thomas; nephew, David Prince and his wife, Heather; 18 Keelty family cousins, including Shelley Jackson and her husband, Steve, Sherry Stiller and her husband, Rick; and many other dear family members. He was preceded in death by his parents and a nephew, Brian Taylor. A memorial service will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, October 8, 2016 at the Community of Christ Church, 4811 S. Fulton, Tulsa. Friends may contribute in Jim’s memory to Catholic Charities, 2450 N. Harvard Ave., Tulsa, OK 74115 or to the charity of their choice. Ninde Funeral & Cremation – (918) 742-5556 – www.ninde.com