James "Jim" Francis Kaelin

James Francis “Jim” Kaelin, 79, of Owensboro, passed away Monday March 3, 2025, at the University of Louisville Hospital. He was born December 20, 1945, in Owensboro, to the late Albert J. Kaelin and Mary Bernard Smith. Jim proudly served in the United States Air Force as a jet mechanic, forming a passion for watching airplanes and going to the local air show throughout his life. He retired in 2008 from Alcoa after 38 ½ years of dedicated service, where he was affectionately known as “#9”. 

Jim enjoyed working with his rose bushes, going fishing, riding his bicycle, watching old western movies, and was an avid Bingo player. He was a well-known local diner connoisseur, where he was known to gather with friends and enjoy conversation with his black coffee. 

Most of all, Jim loved spending time with his large family and never missed a school event or ball game of his many grandchildren. 

Along with his parents, he is also preceded in death by his wife, Brenda Kaelin; his stepmother, Betty Jo Kamuf; and a brother, Jerry Kaelin.

Jim is survived by his children, Christina Kaelin, Gregg Kaelin, Scott (Stacy) Bowman, and Heather (Paul) Edge; 7 grandchildren, Nicholas, Cordie, Hailey, Lucas, Wendy, Jacob, and Benjamin; 2 great-grandchildren, Liam and Tanner; 7 siblings, Joe (Roxanne) Kaelin, Veronica Payne, Larry (Norma) Kaelin, Ron (Becky) Kaelin, Mike (Kathy) Kaelin, Sheila (Bill) Boone, and Darlene (Terry) Mann; also numerous nieces and nephews.

The funeral service for Jim Kaelin will be at 12 p.m. Saturday March 8, 2025, at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory with Father Carl McCarthy officiating. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. The burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Memories and condolences for the family of Jim Kaelin may be left at www.glenncares.com.