John J. Kett

John James Kett Sr., passed away peacefully at home on June 23, 2018 at the age if 92.   Many people knew and loved Jim for his great story telling ability. He had plenty of material to weave his stories together since his family has a rich history here in Prescott. His Irish immigrant parents met at the Grand Canyon where his father, a master carpenter working for the railroad, met his mother a Harvey Girl. They raised their family in Prescott and faithfully attended the Sacred Heart Church where Jim was taught by the nuns at St. Joseph's Academy, He went on to play center position for the PHS football team. Like many young men, Jim proudly enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1945, promising his mother the war would be over before she knew it. He served in World War II and the Korean War as a B-17 combat flight instructor. Jim studied aeronautical engineering at Purdue University. Jim married his sweetheart Norma Jean in 1948. They had 6 beautiful children . He was an antelope dancer and a proud member of the Smoki People for several years. Jim worked as an electrical engineer at APS for 44 years retiring to take care of his wife until her death in 2005. They were married 56 years. Jim is also preceded in death by his sister, Mary Wolfe and his infant son Terry Joseph.   Jim is survived by his children John (Anita), Michael (Connie) of Florida, Mary Kathleen, Timothy and Kevin; 5 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. A viewing is scheduled on June 28, 2018 from 5-7 p.m. at Ruffner-Wakelin Prescott Chapel. Mass will be held at 11 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Church with a reception following at Smoki Museum.