James Robert Kellems

James Robert Kellems of Sheridan, Arkansas was born December 31, 1956, in Detroit Michigan, the son of the late Norman and Anna Jezdemer Kellems. James served proudly in the National Guard for 9 years and had worked many jobs in his lifetime but had most recently retired from Allen Gate and Panel where he worked as a pipe cutter. Although he was born in Michigan, James moved around and lived in several different places, his young adult life was spent in Seattle, Washington; after his time in the National Guard, he and his family moved here to Arkansas where he could live his dream of being a cowboy. He worked for many years at the Stevens farm where he learned all the tricks of the trade including riding horses, working cows, hunting, fishing, and even became a skilled hog hunter and trapper. In his free time James also enjoyed watching sports, especially football, where his favorite team was the Las Vegas Raiders, he also enjoyed watching family feud and duck dynasty even if it was reruns and listening to Elvis. Through all his accomplishment in life, non-meant more to him than his family who he loved dearly, his legacy lives on through them. 

James passed away at Baptist Health Hospital in North Little Rock at the age of 69. 

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother David Kellems, sister Collene Volner, and nephew Derick Kellems. He is survived by his wife of 46 years Sandra House Kellems, his sons Daniel (Jessica) Kellems, Matthew Kellems, and Russell Kellems, two grandchildren Bryson Gibson and Adriana McCallister, nephew Michael Volner, nieces Misty Volner and Cassie Blake, along with many other extended family members and friends. 

A visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Friday July 10, 2026, at Memorial Gardens Funeral Home in Sheridan.