Obituaries

Jim Kelton

Photo of Jim Kelton
Jim Kelton, age 70, passed away March 9, 2015 in Fayetteville. He was born Feb. 26, 1945 in Fayetteville, Ark. During Jim's childhood in Fayetteville he discovered his love for writing, sports and music. In high school he was a pitcher on the baseball team and also played football. His successful newspaper career began in high school at the Northwest Arkansas Times covering sports. In 1963 he joined the National Guard, 142nd Field Artillery Regiment. That was followed by a year active duty in the Army at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. He returned to newspaper sports writing in Pine Bluff, Ark. and then in San Antonio, Texas. In the late 1960's he began covering music for the San Francisco Examiner. Meeting popular musicians of that time he made connections he would keep the rest of his life. In the early 80's he moved to Seattle with his family and began covering music for the Everett Herald. He did some freelance work and was always writing a new story. In the late 90's he moved to North Carolina where he did some documentary work. In 2000 he moved back to his home in Fayetteville where he attended the University of Arkansas, worked on a radio show and eventually retired. What Jim loved most was to share stories and music. He was a fun-loving, witty and charming man. A loving father, grandfather and friend. He will be deeply missed. He is survived by his mother June Foster; daughter, Alyson Fenton; granddaughter, Harper Fenton and numerous cousins. Visitation will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, April 10, 2015 followed by a memorial service at 2 p.m. at Moore's Chapel in Fayetteville, Ark. Arrangements under the direction of Moore's Chapel. To sign the online guestbook visit www.mooresfuneralchapel.com.

Published April 5, 2015

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