James Otto Selzer, Gamma Theta 1970, the 49th president of Delta Tau Delta Fraternity, entered the Chapter Eternal on May 23, 2010 in Kansas City, Mo., at 61 years.
He was the epitome of the good Delt – generous in his assistance and encouragement to others, loyal, a lifelong learner, dedicated to the spirit of unconquerable manhood, and above all else, honorable.
Brother Selzer waged a 45-year battle with diabetes, succumbing only after a valiant and dignified fight that included multiple organ transplants. His final stand began in the spring of 2009 when he was stricken by a persistent staph infection which led to severe complications. He had been hospitalized since August 2009.
His Delt service stretches back to student days when he was elected president of the Gamma Theta chapter and appointed to the first Undergraduate Council of the Fraternity. As an alumnus he served as a house corporation officer and division vice president before being elected the first president of the Western Plains Division in 1995 and serving consecutive two-year terms. He subsequently was elected by the Karnea to serve as international director of academic affairs (2002-2004) and treasurer (2004-2008). He was elected international president at the 2008 Pittsburgh Karnea.
Brother Selzer graduated with a B.S. in physics and mathematics from Baker University, studied at Albert Ludwig Universitat in Freiberg, Germany as a Fulbright Scholar, and earned his M.A. in molecular biology and physics at the University of Oregon, and his law degree from the University of Kansas where he was editor in chief of the Kansas Law Journal.
He practiced law in Kansas City for 33 years, most recently at Stinson, Morrison, Hecker. Jim represented a variety of closely held and public clients in general corporate and securities matters. At the time of his death he was a member of the firm’s policy committee. He also had served on the firm’s executive committee and as the practice division supervisor for the business divisions.
Jim is survived by Barbara, his wife of 37 years, whom he met at Baker University in the spring of his senior year. They are the parents of two sons, Bryan and Kevin Selzer, and the grandparents of Owen James Selzer.
Visitation will be from 2:30 to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, June 1 at the Christ United Methodist Church, 14506 E. 39th Street South, Independence, Mo. 64055, with service to follow at 4 p.m. The family has requested in lieu of flowers that memorial gifts be directed to the Delta Tau Delta Educational Foundation or the National Kidney Foundation of Western Missouri.
