James Cooper Kelsee was born in Opp, Alabama March 22, 1935, to William Jason and Maud Smith Kelsoe. He has a younger sister, Willene Kelsoe Sharpe. In 1960, James married Jenelle Stokes Kelsoe. They have Two sons, James Cooper Kelsoe, Jr. (Jim) and John David Kelsoe. He received his elementary and high school education in the Opp City Schools, where he excelled academically and served as president of his senior class. He played trumpet in the Opp High School band, was elected most talented in his senior year, and held other leadership positions.
After graduation from high school, he continued his education at the University of Alabama, where he played in the University of Alabama Million-Dollar Band. After one semester at the University, he joined the Army and served for two years. After his tenure in service, he reentered the University of Alabama in 1957, earning a B.A. Degree in Business and Finance in May, 1960.
James moved to Birmingham after college graduation and took his first job with Firestone for approximately 18 months. In November 1961, he moved to Opp to begin his career with First National Bank of Opp. Working with First National Bank of Opp was a perfect fit that made it possible for James to put into practice his ambition to work with a small town bank and play an active role in the community. With FNB, James not only had the freedom to do this, but he was encouraged by his superiors who shared his philosophy that the banking institution in the community should lead the way in community service. Banking offered James the opportunity to continue building on his banking knowledge. He attended banking schools, seminars and workshops at Dartmouth, University of Wisconsin, Colorado State and Birmingham Southern. One of his first projects was an Annual Report to stockholders. This brought national awards to FNB Opp. As the Bank grew and banking evolved, FNB was quick to keep pace. As CFO and Chief of Accounting, James had an integral part in new services and in the formation of a holding company that bought one bank, formed a consumer finance company; and organized a new bank in Andalusia. With FNB James was able to use his banking knowledge, his ability to work with people, his dedication, hard work and initiative to help FNB Opp grow into one of the strongest and most respected banking institutions in South Alabama. Through his position at the bank, James was able to give financial guidance to many people, especially young people needing financial help for education.
As a charter member of the Civitan Club, he served as President, began a program to display the American flag on national holidays, and started a program for honoring Good Citizenship Boy & Girl. He coached Little League Baseball for 10 years (Tigers), won 3 championships and coached all-stars for 6 years. He has been a member of the Chamber of Commerce for 47 years, serving as President, Board of Directors member, Christmas Parade Chairman (40 years) and served on a committee to initiate the first Hall of Fame. He is a member of the Opp Rotary Club (25 Years) where he served as president, bulletin editor for 20 years, and is a recipient of the Paul Harris Fellow award. Other civic involvement includes Bobcat Booster Club, charter member and president; Hospital Board and Hospital Auxiliary, Opp/Covington County Chapter of University of Alabama Alumni Association, Cross Trails Library Board and Treasurer, Mizell Memorial Hospital Foundation; Opp City School Foundation, WAMI Board of Directors, President and Secretary. James has been a faithful member of First Methodist Church of Opp for more than 45 years, serving in virtually every capacity. He taught Senior High Youth for 38 years and Senior Adult Men’s Class for 12 years. He had a special gift for working with youth and continued to connect with youth even as he advanced in age.
For years, James has worked tirelessly to promote Opp. His philosophy is that everyone should give something to the community, and that by working together people can make a significant difference in good times and bad. Community involvement is a way of life for him, not something from which he can retire. Even though he has retired from banking and from the Chamber of Commerce, you can be sure that he will not retire from service to the community and the people of Opp.
As Executive Director of the Opp Chamber of Commerce he is the epitome of our Opp ideals. He led us with good common sense as he tended carefully to our good name. He inspired us to remember our past, to think of our future and to be honestly aware of our present. His work habits at the Chamber make good examples to follow. We may also find his love for Opp can be contagious. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2009.
