James D. “Sam” Ketchem
James D. “Sam” Ketchem, 84, of Butler died Wednesday at his residence.
He was born July 4, 1933, in Renfrew, to the late William Clarence Ketchem and Marie Anna (Masters) Ketchem.
James was a member of Nixon Methodist Church.
He worked as a machinist at Armco Steel for 42 years before retiring.
James coached baseball for 27 years in Penn Township, where he coached all of his sons. He was a member of a bowling and golfing leagues. James enjoyed spending time with his horse of 17 years named “Sweetheart.” He especially loved playing with his great-granddaughter, Michelle, and watching hockey, baseball and football.
He is survived by his wife, Deloris LeFever Ketchem, whom he married May 28, 1955; three sons, Jim Ketchem of Jacksonville, Fla., Rick Ketchem and his wife, Suze, of Brighton, Colo., and Rusty Ketchem of Butler; two daughters, Cindy Brown of Russellville, Ark., and Christine Ketchem of Cincinnati, Ohio; 11 grandchildren, Lee, Kevin, Rick, Jason, Ryan, Ross, Ryan, Zach, Levi, Shannon and Meghan; and 19 great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Michele Ketchem; his daughter-in-law, Tammy Ketchem; three brothers, Walt, Dean and Charles Ketchem; and one sister, Glenna Ketchem.
KETCHEM — Friends of James D. “Sam” Ketchem, who died Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2017, will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday at Thompson-Miller Funeral Home, 124 E. North St., Butler. Funeral services will be held immediately following at 8 p.m. with the Rev. William Winzeler, officiating.In lieu flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 320 Bilmar Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa., 15205.Online condolences can be given at www.thompson-miller.com.
