James McKeon

McKeon, James E.
James E. McKeon, born in Shelton, raised in Meriden, and a longtime resident of New Fairfield, passed away on Sunday, November 13th. Born to Patrick and Mary Keating McKeon on June 25, 1930 he is survived by his wife, BettyLou McKeon, sons Timothy P. McKeon (Debbie), Michael J. McKeon (Kate), Daniel L. McKeon (Katherine), Brian W. McKeon (Cindy), siblings Gerald J. McKeon (Margaret) and Sr. Patricia M. McKeon, RSM, as well as his stepsons, Christopher K. Payne, W. Douglas Payne, and Gregory T. Payne. Twelve grandchildren also survive him, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Mary and Patrick, first wife Patricia Tuttle McKeon and two brothers, Robert L. and Donald P. McKeon.
Jim received his B.A. in 1951 and M.A. in 1953 from Wesleyan University. He was awarded his Ph.D in Organic Chemistry from Yale University in 1959. Jim joined the former Chemicals and Plastics R & D operation at Union Carbide's South Charleston, WVA Tech Center as a research chemist, in 1959 and was appointed as Research Scientist in 1962; Senior Research Scientist in Tarrytown, NY in 1968; Research Associate in 1973, and Associate Director of Research in 1975. He became Director of Research and Development at the Bound Brook, NJ Tech Center in 1977. Three years later he was appointed Director of R & D for the Coatings Materials Division and in 1982 named to a similar post with the Specialty Chemicals Division. He was VP of the Specialty Chemicals Division in 1984. A holder of U.S. and foreign patents, Jim had published numerous articles in scientific publications. After his distinguished career at Union Carbide, Jim began his own technology consulting business, Baseline Technologies. He was a member of the American Chemical Society and the New York Academy of Science.
Jim was very active in the Democratic party and served as Selectman for the town of New Fairfield in 2005. He will be remembered most for his love of family, sailing, traveling, hiking, gardening, UConn Women's Basketball and THE RED SOX!!!
A memorial mass will be held Saturday, November 19th at 10:30 a.m. at St. Edward the Confessor RC Church, 21 Brush Hill Road, New Fairfield, CT. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, 55 East Cedar Street, Newington, CT 06111 or, Hospice of New Milford, 68 Park Lane Road, New Milford, CT 06776. The McKeon family wishes to express their profound gratitude for the genuine care provided by Candlewood Valley Health and Rehabilitation Center.