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James KEENEY Obituary
James H. Keeney died in Winter Haven, FL, on March 1, 2021, at the age of 73.
Jim was born on August 6, 1947, in New Boston, Ohio, to Lester and Marjorie (Hardy) Keeney. He graduated from Fairborn High School in 1965 before enlisting in the United States Air Force. After serving in Vietnam, he worked and later retired from AT&T. Jim also served as president of CWA Local 4322, Recording Secretary of Dayton Montgomery County AFL-CIO, and eventually enjoyed a second retirement from the Greater Dayton United Way where he served as the Community Service Director. He also fulfilled a dream by owning and operating his own skydiving school "Jumpin' Indiana".
Jim was an active skydiver for most of his life, making his first jump in 1973 at Greene County Sport Parachute Center. Through the years he became a USPA D license holder, Instructor Examiner, Accelerated Free Fall Instructor, Static Line Instructor, Instructor Assisted Deployment Instructor, Tandem Instructor, and held an FAA Senior Parachute Rigger Certificate. He was a friend and mentor to many.
Jim is survived by his wife, Crystal (Fenwick) Keeney; his children, James Keeney, Shannon Keeney, Cheryl (Lance) White, Kelly (Jen) Keeney, Chase (Paige) Bowling, and Daniel McGuire; his sisters, Carmen Lyons, Marinelle (Clyde) Teasley, Barbara (Donald) Slape, and Beth (Robert) Milling; 6 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Wendy Rae Keeney; brother-in-law, James A. Lyons; and granddaughter, Guinevere Lucille Bowling.
A celebration of life will take place in Waynesville, Ohio, at a future date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James KEENEY
Swede n' Kathy Ware
March 1, 2022
Still miss ya my friend. You were a shinning example to a lot of new up and coming jumpers. Always enjoyed hearin' ya laughing at the DZ ............Blue Skies Brother ...
Steve Adams
March 1, 2022
Sorry for your loss Crystal.
Jerry Carsner
March 13, 2021
Crystal and Kelly, you husband and father was a Great man!!! He introduced me to his world of skydiving and into his family of friends. I will always remember him the first time we met when he made a special trip back to the DZ to talk to me and give his ok for starting static line.... Fly free Jim and always know you were always loved and will greatly be missed. Until we meet again friend!!!!!
Ann Shackelford and Barry Burgan
March 8, 2021
Kelly and Crystal, our deepest sympathies to you and the entire Keeney family. Blue skies.
Susan Stortz Bilz
March 7, 2021
The Bilz family will always have a special place in our hearts for Jim as dad ( Jack Stortz) would always affectionately refer to him as “Keeney.” Blue skies my friend. You were loved greatly. They made many jumps at Waynesville together. Now, they are celebrating again. Prayers for the family.
Chad
March 7, 2021
Jim was an amazing person and he will be greatly missed. I always enjoyed seeing him at the dz. Thoughts and prayers are with his wonderful family and friends.
Chad
March 7, 2021
Jim was an amazing person and he will be greatly missed. I always enjoyed seeing him at the dz. Thoughts and prayers are with his wonderful family and friends.
Sandy Munsey
March 7, 2021
I am so sorry Crystal. Sending our love and prayers!
Jimdad
March 7, 2021
Jim was a true friend. He was a friend , my mentor. ( best jump I ever had was a very, really, really, low opening with a two way with Jim at DeLand. Damn it man, he wouldn’t turn loose. He held me and smiled at me while gripping me till (I was beginning to worry) then blew me a kiss and waved off.(950 or so) . All was good.
Swede and Kathy Ware
March 7, 2021
I never knew this man that he didn't have a smile on his face! Of course it was always at the airport, which made him so happy. I will miss this man and the sport and community of skydivers lost a great friend and mentor. Blue skies my friend...you'll be with us in many memories and stories..............
Michael Jaconetta
March 7, 2021
You will always be loved and missed
March 7, 2021
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.We were members of CWA local 4322 and he was great as our leader.With our deepest sympathy and prayers. Delores Wade Talley and Clara Miller
Steve Adams
March 7, 2021
Sorry for your loss Crystal.
Edward Hogg
March 7, 2021
Jim was my best friend. I will always love him as my brother. He will be missed by many .
My deepest sympathy to his family and other friends.
Here’s to Jim
Edward Hogg
March 7, 2021
Jim was my best friend. He was like a brother to me. I will always love him as a brother. He will be missed by many people.
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