James F. Kelter

1941 - 2024

James F. Kelter

August 16, 1941 - August 6, 2024

James F. Kelter was born in Ottumwa, IA, 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 U.S. Army 1st Calvary Division. 1st Cav was stationed in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. 1st Cav was heavily involved in one of the first big combat battles in the Ia Drang Valley, in November 1965. Jim earned the U.S. 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, IL, as a Booth Announcer – Director. In 1968, he moved to Sports Director for WVLN-WSEI Radio in Olney, IL, 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, IN, and WTVW in Evansville, IN.

In 1973, he relocated to Omaha, 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 is 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; stepdaughters, 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 and Brooks Koster and Hartley Jo Hubschman. Also survived by sister-in-law, Dianne Kelter.

Family will receive friends on Tuesday, August 13th, from 5 to 7 p.m., at West Center Chapel with a VIGIL SERVICE at 7 p.m.

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Wednesday, August 14th, 10:30 a.m., at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Elkhorn, NE.

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 Rd.

402-391-3900 | www.heafeyheafey.com