Jim David Kelso, age 79, a resident of Pittsburg, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, March 3, 2021, at the Arma Health and Rehab Center in Arma, Kansas. He was born November 24, 1941, in Pittsburg, the son of John Grammar Kelso and Winona Esther Hale Kelso.

He graduated from Pittsburg High School and went on to receive a Master’s Degree in Education from Pittsburg State University. Jim had worked for many years as a high school debate teacher for the Wichita and McPherson school districts. Following his retirement, he returned to Pittsburg. Jim loved sports, especially baseball. He also enjoyed fishing. Jim will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

Survivors include two children, Kent David Kelso and wife, Deanna of Utah and Lisa Lejuwaan and husband Robb, of Atlanta, Georgia and five grandchildren Lauren Zamora-Kelso, LaRaya Gunter, Emily Clay, Zachary Clay, and William Wilson Mount. Also surviving is a brother, Steve Kelso and wife, Betty, of Ft. Scott, Kansas.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Carolyn Sue Shuman.

Rev. William Cook will conduct graveside services at 2:00 P.M. Thursday, March 11th at the Mt. Olive Cemetery in Pittsburg, Kansas.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, Kansas. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.