Jimmy was born on August 30, 1950 in Riverdale, AR to the late Jessie Lee and Bertha Malone Kelems. He married Vickie Floyd on May 2, 1975 in Tulsa, OK. Jimmy received a Master's Degree in Theology and founded the Refuge Ministry. He was also deeply involved in prison ministry. He was proud of his Indian heritage and was part of the Cherokee Nation West in Missouri/Arkansas tribe. Family was very important to him and his faith made him who he was. Jimmy always met his family's needs selflessly. He was nonjudgmental and loved unconditionally, even the most unlovable people. He was gifted with a wonderful sense of humor. Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Juanita Weathers and Bonnie Jean Shortnacy; a brother, James Billy Kelems; mother-in-law, Jewell Floyd; and sister –in-law, Shelia Floyd.
Jimmy is survived by his wife Vickie Kelems; sons, Jimmy Bruce Earls and Sean Earls; daughters, Danielle Englund and husband Chris and Desira Kelems; sisters, Alene Wahlstrom, Lilly Dixon, and Marcy Young; a brother, Jess Kelems, Jr.; grandchildren, Darian Russell and Kayra Earls; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Jimmy was born on August 30, 1950 in Riverdale, AR to the late Jessie Lee and Bertha Malone Kelems. He married Vickie Floyd on May 2, 1975 in Tulsa, OK. Jimmy received a Master's Degree in Theology and founded the Refuge Ministry. He was also deeply involved in prison ministry. He was proud of his Indian heritage and was part of the Cherokee Nation West in Missouri/Arkansas tribe. Family was very important to him and his faith made him who he was. Jimmy always met his family's needs selflessly. He was nonjudgmental and loved unconditionally, even the most unlovable people. He was gifted with a wonderful sense of humor. Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Juanita Weathers and Bonnie Jean Shortnacy; a brother, James Billy Kelems; mother-in-law, Jewell Floyd; and sister –in-law, Shelia Floyd.
Jimmy is survived by his wife Vickie Kelems; sons, Jimmy Bruce Earls and Sean Earls; daughters, Danielle Englund and husband Chris and Desira Kelems; sisters, Alene Wahlstrom, Lilly Dixon, and Marcy Young; a brother, Jess Kelems, Jr.; grandchildren, Darian Russell and Kayra Earls; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.