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James B. Keeling

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James Keeling Obituary

James B. Keeling 1929 - 2011 Jim Keeling was born March 24, 1929, in Long Beach, California. His family moved several times. He spent his late high school years in Selma, CA, where he met and married his wife of 61 years, Wanda Shockley Keeling. In 1950 Jim enlisted In the Army and severed in Korea for two years. After his tour of duty was completed, Jim immediately enlisted in the Army Reserve and served until his retirement in 1991. He reached the rank of Chief Warrant Officer - 4, the highest rank for a non-commissioned officer. In 1953 Jim moved his family to Bakersfield and lived here until his death, October 5, 2011. Jim took pride in his Army career. He served in Bakersfield with the 348th Military Police Unit as their Transportation Coordinator. In 1983 he went on active Army Reserve and spent several years with the 304th Material Management Unit in Santa Monica, California, and later in the 346th Ordinance Unit in Jonesboro, AK, until he retired in 1991. Looking back on this career, there are so many commendations, certificates of appreciation, service medals, and letters of appreciation that it is hard to recognize all of them. Jim was credited for many suggestions of improvement in the Military Transportation field that saved the Army time and money. At the end of his career, his unit in Jonesboro, AK, received the award for the number one Military Maintenance Unit in the Army Reserve; and the majority of the credit went to CWO-4 James B. Keeling. Jim was also a very loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was preceded in death by his sister, Marie Blain; his brother, Ben Keeling; and his beloved wife, Wanda. He leaves behind his daughter, Debbie Hamm and her husband Randy; his son, David Keeling; his grandson, Andy Hamm; and his granddaughter, Heather DeGeorge and her husband, Paul. A special mention also goes out to Priscilla Gray and daughter (his big girl buddy) Amelia, who brought such joy to his life. Jim will be remembered for his big heart and generous spirit. Graveside services will be held Wednesday, October 12th, at 10:45 a.m. at the Bakersfield National Cemetery, 30338 East Bear Mountain Boulevard, Arvin, CA. No visitation is scheduled. (Flowers should be sent to Greenlawn Southwest Mortuary, 2739 Panama Lane, 93304) Greenlawnmortuaryandcemetery.com Greenlawn Mortuary Southwest www.bakersfield.com/obits

Published by Bakersfield Californian on Oct. 9, 2011.
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Debbie & David...I am so sorry about your dad, and sorry I couldn't make it to the funeral. My thoughts and prayers are most definitely with you and your entire family at this time. I would love to see both of you soon.
God's blessings to all of you...Lisa (Keeling) Barnett

Lisa Barnett

October 13, 2011

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