James Ham

Funeral Services for James Kelley Ham, 91, of Temple will be held 10:30 AM Thursday, August 2, 2018 at Christ Episcopal Church, 300 N. Main St., Temple, TX, 76501. A time of visitation and fellowship will take place 5 to 7 PM Wednesday, August 1, 2018 at Harper-Talasek Funeral Home, 500 W Barton Ave. Temple, TX 76501.

Jim passed from this life at home on Saturday, July 28, 2018. Mr. Ham was born on June 25, 1927 to George R. and Ruth Stephens Ham in Temple.

Jim lived most of his life in the Temple area. He graduated from Temple High School in 1945 and then went on to graduate from Temple Junior College in 1948. Mr. Ham served our country during WWII in the Merchant Marines. Early on in his career, Jim worked locally at Lawhorn Auction Barn, Interstate Theatres and Santa Fe Railroad. Jim began a long and distinguished career in local broadcasting at KTEM Radio and went on to serve at other radio and TV stations in Waco and Houston. He was of course most well-known for his time spent at KCEN-TV located here in Central Texas. Mr. Ham Joined KCEN-TV News team in the 1960s as a reporter, later became news anchor and meteorologist and finally served as news director until his retirement in 1981. It goes without saying that Jim was a true fixture in Central Texas television and was a mentor to many reporters and news anchors throughout the years. Jim had a life-long fascination with aviation, yet he was afraid of flying. Other interests include the Art Nouveau Period, motorcycles, and sports cars. Jim was a long-time member at Christ Episcopal Church of Temple.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents.

Those left to honor and cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 31 years, Dorothy Jane Pace Ham of Temple; brother, Pat Ham of Temple; nephew, David Ham of Temple; as well as many close friends, colleagues, and family members.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers donations may be made in Jim's name to Christ Episcopal Church of Temple or a charity of your choice.

Visitation

Visitation

HarperTalasek Funeral Home
500 W. Barton Ave.
Temple, TX  76501
Wednesday, August 1, 2018
5 - 7 p.m.

Service

Funeral Service

Christ Episcopal Church
300 N. Main
Temple, TX  76501
Thursday, August 2, 2018
10:30 a.m.

Cemetery

Hillcrest Cemetery
1873 N. 1st Street
Temple, TX  76501