James F. Kelter
August 16, 1941 – August 6, 2024
James F. Kelter was born in Ottumwa, Iowa on August 16, 1941, to William and Bernice Kelter.
He attended Walsh High School and later served in the Vietnam War. Jim served, at the start of the Viet Nam War, in 1965, with the highly decorated US Army 1st Calvary Division. 1st Cav was stationed in the Central Highlands of Viet Nam. 1st Cav was heavily involved in one of the first big combat battles in the Ia Drang Valley, in November 1965. Jim earned the US Army Combat Infantry Badge, known as the CIB. James was discharged in March 1966. In June 2016, he was aboard the Honor Flight to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington D.C.
Jim graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Arts in Radio/TV. He worked in broadcasting from 1968 to the early 2000s. He began his career at WHBF in Rock Island, Illinois as a Booth Announcer – Director. In 1968, he moved to Sports Director for WVLN-WSEI Radio in Olney, Illinois, where he received the Associated Press First Place Award for his Regular Sports Show. From 1970 to 1973, he worked as a television Sports Director for WTWO in Terre Haute, Indiana and WTVW in Evansville, Indiana. In 1973, he relocated to Omaha, Nebraska to become the Television Sports Director for KMTV until 1978. After a break from broadcasting, he worked in sales for several years. In 1988, he returned to broadcasting as the Director of Sports Sales for KKAR Radio. In 1990, he pursued his passion for play-by-play and worked for UNO Football and Basketball. He was awarded the North Central Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Kolpack Media Award for Outstanding Contributions to the coverage of the North Central Conference. Following his retirement, he continued to do play-by-play for the Omaha Beef and High School Sports.
He was a devoted husband, father, “step-monster” and grandfather who was fondly referred to as Mr. Sports. He found joy in the simple things in life. He had a love for watching any sporting event he could find on TV and especially loved cheering on his Hawkeyes and Huskers. He took immense pride in watching his grandkids play sports, always their biggest fan. He had a knack for telling bad jokes that never failed to bring a smile to our faces. Jim cherished his family and friends, especially his Penthouse and Poop Deck crews. He loved his people fiercely. He will be deeply missed but forever remembered for his kindness, humor, and love.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents William and Bernice and brother Richard Kelter.
He is survived by his wife Linda Kelter, daughters Julie (Todd) Koca, Gina (Jessica Bird) Galpin, Megan (Jason) Caul, stepson Bret Schnittgrund, step-daughters Sara Jane (Bart) Thomsen, Jody (Tim) Hubschman, 17 grandchildren Alex Koca, Ben Koca, Emily Koca, Nick Koca, Andrew Galpin, Delaney (Brad) Koster, Olivia Galpin, Tommy Caul, Lily Caul, Mia Caul, Max Schnittgrund, Henry Thomsen, Eliot Thomsen, Lauren Thomsen, Jake (Lucy) Hubschman, Nate Hubschman, Libby Hubschman and three great grandchildren, Camden & Brooks Koster and Hartley Jo Hubschman. Also survived by sister-in-law Dianne Kelter.
Family will receive friends on Tuesday, August 13th from 5-7PM at West Center Chapel with a Vigil Service at 7PM.
Mass of Christian Burial: Wednesday, August 14th, 10:30AM at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Elkhorn.
Interment: Omaha National Cemetery with full military honors.
Memorials are suggested to Roncalli Catholic High School for sports scholarships.
Heafey-Hoffmann-Dworak-Cutler, West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha, Ne 68124. (402)-391-3900. www.heafeyheafey.com
12 Comments
1st buddy from age 4. Great in Speech class in high school. Always look forward to seeing at a school reunion. Keep us laughing for hours.
Till 2 am in early days. Later on, maybe we could
tTill 2 am in early days. Later on, maybe we could
stay awake until 10pm.
Rest in Peace Jim and try not to get in too much trouble in Heaven with your brother Dick. Love you 🥰 and will miss you. Dianne
Thinking of you Jim and your family. We go back a long time at Walsh High School and O-Town. Salute to you for your military service! 🪖🎖️
We were honored to take Jim on the Vietnam Combat Honor Flight June 6, 2016. Good guy, we were salesman together for a company years ago.
Evonne and I are sorry for your loss.
Jim, we only had two years in the service together but they were great years with us ending our service in vam But we had a lot of reunions after that we laughed about our time together. I will miss you now but u my time is getting short also and I will join you then. Until then take care and keep on with you football I miss you already
Linda and family.
It is a true privilege knowing all of you and I would’ve never met you if it wasn’t for Jim. We shall all miss him very much..
Jim, I cannot thank you enough for being in my life. You’ve made my life richer. I shall never forget all the great times we had .
Your friend,, Big George
Jim,
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your service and sacrifice to this country so I have the freedom that I have..🇺🇸
God bless you,🙏Big George..
My thoughts, prayers and sincere condolences to Linda and the family. Loved to hang out and talk to him about good ole Nebraska football. Great guy that had a great sense of humor and wonderful jokes. He will be missed. Rest easy sir. God Bless…
Jim was a very fine man and one of the best broadcasters I had the pleasure of knowing. Sending my deepest sympathy…
I remember Jim well from the days of the KMTV golf tournament. RIP.
Julie I saw the notice of your father’s passing. I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to you and your family.
I will always remember you as that sweet little girl in my kindergarten class at Laura Dodge School. Mrs Riley
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