Mr. James Charles Kelsoe

James Charles Kelsoe of North Richland Hills, Texas, passed away peacefully on Dec. 8, 2020, at the age of 88 after complications from a head injury sustained in an accidental fall. His loving wife and daughters were by his side.

Kelsoe, known by those who loved and knew him, was born on May 21, 1932, in Luella, Texas, to Homer and Lola B. Kelsoe. He grew up on a farm and graduated from Tom Bean High School. He then enrolled in East Texas State Teacher’s College at Commerce receiving a B.S. degree in Vocational Agriculture in 1954. Shortly thereafter, he enlisted in the Air Force, serving for 3 years and completing the pilot training program. Upon his discharge in 1957, Kelsoe took a job with the Federal Aviation Administration until his retirement 43 years later. He continued working as a consultant for the FAA, training air traffic controllers for an additional 13 years.

In 1960, Kelsoe married the love of his life, Nelda Ruth Jones. Together they had 3 daughters, Kelli, Kari, and Kristi. As a family, they enjoyed spending quality time together taking annual road trips, playing games, going to sporting events, and attending church. Nelda’s dedication to the church inspired him to become a faithful servant and leader at Richland Hills Church of Christ, later known as The Hills, where he served as an elder for 30 years. On the day of his passing, many of the church leaders who served with him shared that he was their hero, a mentor, and that his calming presence helped maintain balance within the eldership.

Everyone who knew Kelsoe was impressed with his ability to repair, build, and create anything imaginable. He spent much of his spare time creating unique gifts for others in his shop. He enjoyed the challenge of learning new things, and no job was too big for him to tackle. This was evident in the restoration of his player pianos, customizing his family’s conversion van, building furniture for his daughters, and creating numerous birdhouses, crosses, and pens to share with his friends. Those in the family rarely needed a repairman, electrician, plumber, or landscaper because he could do it all. However, he still managed to find time to squeeze in a couple of golf games each week!

Over the last 25 years, Kelsoe kept a daily journal and had written an autobiography of his life. His family and friends will cherish the memories he has documented as well as all the personal letters written to each of them on special occasions.

Kelsoe is survived by his wife of 60 wonderful years, Nelda, his daughters Kelli Kelsoe and Kristi Kelsoe Padilla, grandchildren Braden Vittatoe, Whitney Bowdy, Trevor Vittatoe, and his wife Andrea, Kortni and Kelbi Padilla, and great grandchildren Daijlynn, Jayliciah, Zakiyyah, and Jaydrian Bowdy. He was preceded in death by his parents Homer and Lola B. Kelsoe, sister Jobyna Judson, brother Jerry Kelsoe, and daughter Kari Kelsoe Vittatoe.

Kelsoe will be laid to rest at the Dallas – Fort Worth National Cemetery on Monday, December 21. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, December 22 at 10:00 am at The Hills Church in North Richland Hills. All safety protocols, including social distancing and masks, will be required during the service. For those unable to attend, the service will be streamed and can be accessed using the following link: https://livestream.com/thehillschurch/events/8629230

As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be sent to the Community Enrichment Center located at 6250 NE Loop 820, Ft. Worth, TX, 76180. The online register can be signed at https://www.dignitymemorial.com