James J. Kettinger

James J. Kettinger, age 94, of Philadelphia. Jim passed away on Feb. 26, 2025 of heart and kidney disease. Predeceased by his parents Edward and Rose (née McGurk) Kettinger and his 7 siblings. He was preceded in death by his daughter Frances Murphy and son James Kettinger. Survived by his loving wife of 72 years Julianna (née Binkowski), his son Gregory (Marla), brother-in-law Theodore Binkowski and sister-in-law Frances Peterson. Also survived by his grandchildren Christine (Pierre) Moisy, James (Jessica), Jason (Mallory), Kimberly Murphy, and Patrick Murphy and his 9 great-grandchildren. He leaves behind a legacy of family, faith and fun.

Jim was a man of great faith, a devout Catholic, and a parishioner of St. Anne Parish for 94 years. He attended mass every Sunday and holy day (including the St. Anne novena) until his sight and general health prevented him from doing so safely.

He was passionate about music and it was a part of his daily life. Growing up in the World War II era, he enjoyed attending dances as a young man. He made it a point to see many of the great singers and musicians of his time, culminating in an extensive knowledge and appreciation of the “Great American Songbook”. He was able to sing thousands of songs, as his family and friends can attest. He continued to actively listen to the music of his childrens’ era as well and had a fondness for Motown, British invasion, and 1970’s pop and rock music.

He was a lifelong diehard Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles fan, watching or listening to almost every game throughout his adult life. He attended countless baseball games at Shibe Park/ Connie Mack Stadium, Veterans Stadium, and Citizens Bank Park. He never failed to support his teams through their long periods of mediocrity, always holding out hope, and relishing in their success.  It’s very fitting that in the last month of his life, his beloved E-A-G-L-E-S Eagles won their second Championship!

His other hobbies included golf, bowling, softball, pool, darts, shuffleboard, shufflebowl, crosswords (and all puzzles), casino trips, playing card games at home, and spending time visiting family and friends. After his eyesight began failing he and Julie were more frequently the hosts of these family & friend gatherings. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, always asking when their next visit will be.

Jim was a U.S. Army veteran, drafted during the Korean War, and was stationed in Germany. He was one of very few troops who gained considerable weight during his basic training and had fond memories of his down time during his service – playing cards with his friends and drinking German beer.

Jim was a creative user and abuser of the English language and coined many phrases that family and friends may recognize - “My shoes!”, “I wanna think about ‘ya”, “Shift it!”, “Locking Bar!”, “Lucky Dung Tun”, “Crissus!”, “What the Haitch?!”, “I’m a Liar!”, “Tight Shoes!”, “I’m an Old Man!”, “Das is Goot!”,”Caveman”, “ Keeping trim, using vim, going to the gym, with him “, “Keep your eye running”, “I lied!”, “So green, so ‘ight”, “She wore blue velveetas and she stunk like man”, “What the check man”, “Lucky dog!”, Shividarn, I don’t give a darn!”, “League island”, “I had!”, “No P.R”, “Harry Dugan”, “Your kindness will never be subibulated.” If you know, you know…

Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing and funeral Tuesday March 4, 2025 beginning at 9:30am in St. Anne Catholic Church (upper) 2328 E. Lehigh Ave. Phila. PA 19125 immediately followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 11AM. Interment Resurrection Cemetery, Bensalem PA.

Flowers welcome or consider donating to Wills Eye Hospital, American Heart Association, the American Kidney Fund or a charity of your choice.

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