In Memory of Jim Seeley
We are deeply saddened by the loss of our colleague and friend, James “Jim” R. Seeley.
A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and a decorated Vietnam veteran, Jim lived a life of service. He was committed to serving his country, family and colleagues. A man of great integrity and passion, Jim loved leading and mentoring others, teaching leadership lessons in the Navy before putting his mark of service on the golf industry.
While at the Naval Academy, Jim played on a nationally ranked golf team where he earned recognition as an excellent Naval Academy team member and intercollegiate golfer. He served on the faculty of the Naval Academy for two years, teaching leadership, management and naval tactics before entering the golf business.
It was Jim’s passion for golf, customer service and environmental advocacy that led him to join the KemperSports team in 1995. And, it was his vision and compassion for others that made him a great leader at KemperSports.
Jim served as executive vice president of operations for KemperSports for more than 17 years until he retired in 2011. Even after retirement, he remained a consultant, advisor and integral member of the KemperSports team until he passed. During his time at KemperSports, Jim oversaw all facets of operations for our fast-growing company and was responsible for developing and implementing so many of the foundational elements that allowed the company to grow. Most notably, Jim is credited with the development of the KemperSports Green to a Tee environmental program, which guides our commitment to environmental stewardship through responsible maintenance practices at all managed facilities. The program is one of many legacies of Jim’s work.
A fine player in his early career, Jim played in several PGA TOUR events and even qualified and played in the 1977 Open Championship at Turnberry. His work in the business of golf was also recognized by his peers. Jim was honored as one of the most admired golf course operators by Golf Inc. Magazine in 2008 and a lifetime member of the PGA of America. Our highest annual corporate award, the James R. Seeley General Manager of the Year Award, is named in his honor for his incredible contributions to his colleagues and our business.
We will miss Jim’s wit, passion, friendship and leadership at KemperSports. We share our grief with all who knew him.
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Our Bandon Community is broken hearted. I am so honored to have met the wonderful, loving Seeley
Family. Rest In Peace Jim and know that Rae is surrounded by so many wonderful people. I have a forever friend and will continue to enjoy days with my beautiful friend.
Sad news to read. Jim was a gentleman in all that he did. I wish the Kemper Team and Jim’s family great memories to assuage the grief from loss.
100% Class Act
A Honor to know him and call him a friend
I just heard of Jim’s passing. I am saddened. I met Jim & his wife Rae at Eagle Trace. Jim was one of the truly nice gentleman in life as in golf.
I played against Jim in the Eastern Intercollegiates in 1964, and then played with him often when he took his first assistant’s job at Prince Georges Country Club when his tour with the Navy was over. We reconnected years later when he was the professional at TPC Avenel.
He was a good friend and a great gentleman. Didn’t know of his passing until I just happened to look him up on the internet in early May, 2023.