J.T. was born in Yazoo County on August 20, 1943, and passed from this earthy life to his heavenly home on February 12, 2022. He was 78 years old. He is survived by his wife, Linda Jenkins Ketchum; daughter, Lori Ketchum Watson and husband Mert Sarici of Phoenix, AZ; son, J.T Ketchum, III and wife Kallie of Yazoo City; grandchildren, Sam, Cord, Molly, and Max Watson of Phoenix, AZ; John Hagen, Brittany, Carter, and Maizey Ketchum, of Yazoo City; great grandchildren, Noah Watson of Phoenix, AZ and Mary Hagen Ketchum of Yazoo City; sister, Lois Russell and brother, Tommy Ketchum of Yazoo City.
He is preceded in death by his parents, J.T. Ketchum, Sr. and Lorene Freeman Ketchum, and sister Sarah Ketchum Callihan.
J. T. served in the United States Air Force from 1966-1970 and became an E-4 Sargent. He then went on to Mississippi Chemical, where he worked for 34 years in operations. J.T. was the operator and Manager of Renshaw Water Association for 49 years.
He loved to work with his hands. A self-taught contractor, he built furniture, barns and several homes. J. T. was a licensed electrician and plumber. He was instrumental in building the second story addition to Manchester Academy and the field house for the Athletic Department. In his later life, he was more of a dirt contractor, hauling dirt and gravel and operating his bulldozer, backhoe and track hoes. He took great pride in his lawn and could often be found on his lawnmower. J. T. always had a vegetable garden and several fruit trees. He even made his own homemade jams and preserves, which he always shared with others.
As an active member of First United Methodist Church of Yazoo City. J.T. served as a trustee and conducted the sound for many years. J.T. enjoyed nothing more than driving the church bus, from picking the school children up for choir to driving the youth and the adult Sunday school class on many trips.
J.T. was always willing to lend a helping hand day or night. He was very active with missions through the Church. He made several mission trips to Mexico and was always one of the first to volunteer for trips for storm recovery efforts throughout the state. Anytime someone was in need, he was always willing to whatever he could to help.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 16 at First United Methodist Church from 12:00-2:00 P.M., with the service to follow at 2 P.M. A private burial will be held at Short Creek Baptist Church under the direction of Stricklin King Funeral Home.
Memorial gifts may be made to First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 444, Yazoo City, MS 39194
