Payson, AZ - James Ray Keller went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on April 3, 2025, unexpectedly, at the age of 80. He was born in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, on September 17, 1944. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Connie, his daughter, Tysha Blaylock, his grandchildren, Caleb Blaylock, Courtney Blaylock, and Crystal Halaby, and his brothers, Gary and Dennis, and his close Westie companion, Pikaboo.

Jim moved, with his family, from Pennsylvania in 1948 to Mesa, Arizona. He graduated from Mesa High School in 1962 and from Arizona State University in 1966. He worked for the J.C. Penney Company for 34 years. Jim retired in 2000 and he and his wife moved to Payson to build their dream home. When the house was finished, he decided he wanted to get a dream job, so he went to work at The Rim Club pro shop for 10 years. Jim, Connie, and Pikaboo then spent their time traveling the country and making wonderful memories in their travel trailer.

Jim loved creating and he had a "God Given" talent. He did pen and ink drawing, painting, wood carving, furniture making, but most of all, sculpting with great detail. He was chosen to create the elk in the round about on Hwy 87, he named, "Spirit of the Rim", which he considered a very great honor. He also enjoyed reading and throwing axes, knives, and spears, which he designed and built with his brother, Gary and Rod, his close friend.

Jim was an active member of Ponderosa Bible Church where he taught New Member classes and was leader of the Deacons/Deaconesses.

Jim will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all those who knew him. There will be a Celebration of Life for Jim on Saturday, May 31st at 11:00, at Ponderosa Bible Church, 1800 N. Beeline Hwy, Payson, Arizona. In leiu of flowers, please make contributions to PBC building fund in his honor