Reverend James Keller was born on April 3, 1937 to Rachel Johnson Keller and Richard Keller in Glenmora, Louisiana.

Reverend Keller attended grade school in Glenmora, La., Peabody High School in Alexandria, La. until transferring to Rapides High School in Glenmora, La. During his junior and senior years, he was chosen class president. He went on to attend Campbell College in Jackson, Mississippi (now Bonner-Campbell) in Edwards, Mississippi where he received a degree in Math Education. He later attended Sowela Technical Institute (now Sowela Technical Community College) in Lake Charles and graduated with a degree in Business Administration. He also attended McNeese State University.

During his college years, he worked in his mother and stepfather''s small grocery store. He also took part in many marches, demonstrations, and sit-ins to integrate eating establishments in Jackson and the surrounding areas.

In 1962, he joined the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War era. After leaving the Army, he worked for U.S. Postal Service as a letter carrier for 18 years. He was a former member of NALC-National Association of Letter Carriers and NAFE-National Association of Federal Employees and AFL-CIO.

He was ordained a minister of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in 1966 and he pastored several churches: Grover Chapel A.M.E., in Glenmora, La., (2 appointments), Hannah Chapel A.M.E. Church, Kinder, La., Bethel A.M.E. Church, Dequincy, La., Greater Hayes A.M.E. Church, Oakdale, La. (2 appointments), St. Paul A.M.E. Church, Lake Charles, La. He served under the following bishops: William Franklin Ball, Sr., Isaiah H. Bonner, Frank C. Cummings, Donald George Kenneth Ming, Robert L. Thomas, Richard A. Chappelle, C. Garnett, Hennings, Carolyn-Tyler Guidry, and Julius McAllister. At the time of his passing, he was a member of Saint Paul A.M.E. Church, Lake Charles, La.,

He was Director of Christian Education for the Central Louisiana Conference and held several Eighth Episcopal District positions in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. He also served as a delegate to several General Conferences. He retired from the ministry in 2012.

He passed away on January 8, 2014 at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital.

He is survived by his wife, Pearl Alexander Keller, one daughter, Antoinette Renee Keller, one granddaughter, Enid Faith (Jared) Roberts, two great granddaughters, Laila Roberts and London Roberts. He is also survived by his mother in law, Hazel Allison Alexander Sims, sister-in-laws, Rose (Orelian) Citizen, Lake Charles, La., Mary (Elijah) Johnson, Deridder, La., Victoria Wilridge, Orange, TX., Dorothy Keller, Glenmora, La., Louise Keller, Beaumont, TX., Onecha Keller Gauthier, Houston, TX., brother-in-laws, Duson Alexander, Orange, TX. and Webster (Myra) Alexander, Orange, TX., godchildren, Lloyd and Floyd Parker, Lake Charles, La. and Major Terry Phillips, Dallas, TX. He is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

His parents and siblings preceded him in death.

His funeral service will be on Saturday, January 18, 2014 at Warren United Methodist Church. Bishop Julius McAllister, Eighth Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church will deliver the eulogy. Presiding Elder Lloyd Washington, Jr. will officiate. Internment with full military honors will follow the service at Combre Memorial Park under the direction of Combre Funeral Home. Visitation will be on Saturday, January 18, 2014 from 9:00 am - 11:00 am with funeral service beginning at 11:00 am.

SERVICE INFORMATION

Service date: January 18, 2014

His funeral service will be on Saturday, January 18, 2014 at Warren United Methodist Church. Visitation will be on Saturday, January 18, 2014 from 9:00 am - 11:00 am with funeral service beginning at 11:00 am.