Mg James T. Keltner

1919 - 2015

MG James T. Keltner
March 12, 1919 - April 16, 2015
Resident of Alameda
MG James Thomas Keltner of Alameda passed away peacefully at home on his loved Bay St. on April 16, 2015. Jim's goal was to live to be 96. He turned 96 on March 12, 2015. Jim was born March 12, 1919 in Manor, Texas to James and Adelia Keltner.
"The General" is survived by his loved and loving wife, Denine Hilbish Keltner, his children, Jim Keltner and wife Jane, Tim Keltner, Ann Weiss and husband Barry, Katie Freccero, Trish Ratto and husband Len, and John Keltner. Jim was step-father to Steve Prado, Greg Prado and wife Amy. Jim was the adored grandfather of 12 and the great grandfather of 8. Jim and his family moved to Alameda in 1959 and lived on his favorite street "Bay Street" for the remainder of his life. Jim was involved in Alameda as a member of the Alameda Commuters golf group, board member of Alameda Girl's Club and Alameda Hospital Foundation.
Jim loved playing golf with his buddies, usually three times a week, and he shot his age twice at 84!
Jim was a lifelong military man, retiring as Commander of the 40th Infantry Division, California Army National Guard, as a Major General, after 42 years of military service. Jim served in India, Burma and China during WWII. He was a graduate of the Command and General Staff College, Armed Forces Institute and a very proud graduate of the Army War College.
Besides his Country, Jim cherished his family. He taught his children to laugh and be strong. He loved to sing and most of all, he loved to party. He had a real zest for life and a marvelous smile. A gathering was never without hearing many stories and favorite "sayings", especially "Born in Texas, raised in Tennessee…" and his fist pump! If you ever left a gathering early, you would hear, "Every party has one"!
Jim was predeceased by his wife of 53 years, Helen Grinsell Keltner, son in law Anthony Freccero, his brother John, and sisters Annie Marie and Adelia.
We will celebrate the wonderful life of "The General" on April 27, 2015, with an 11:00 am Mass at St. Joseph Basilica, Alameda and continue the celebration at Rock Wall Wine Co, 2301 Monarch St., Alameda Point, Alameda.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Dee and Helen's favorite charity, the Alameda Welfare Council, P.O.Box 2265 Alameda, Ca. 94501 or to your favorite charity.
Holy Angels Sorensen Chapel FD126
510-581-1234