James Neil Keating

1944 - 2011

James N. Keating, 66, died on January, 23, 2011, in Olympia, WA. A memorial service will be held at a later date in Anacortes, WA.

Jim was born March 9, 1944, in Great Falls, MT, to James H. and Betty Jean (Cravens) Keating.

He served in the USMC from 1962 to 1966. When he left the Corps, he worked on barges on the Missouri River. He settled in Lawrence, KS, where he worked construction, owned and operated a tavern with Larry White, and was a Fireman with the Lawrence Fire Department.

He married Debbie Halderman in February 1973. Later that year, they moved to Anacortes, WA. He worked at the Publishers Forest Products plywood mill until it closed.

In December 1982, Jim moved to Olympia, WA, where he became a shareholder and worked as the night boiler operator at the Hardel Mutual Plywood Corp mill until his health forced him to retire in February 2006. Jim enjoyed hard work, fishing, hunting, and motorcycle riding.

He is survived by his father, James H. Keating of Anacortes, WA; his brother, Thomas E. and Sherry Keating of Lacey, WA; two daughters and six grandchildren: Sherry D. (Channel) and Craig Bufton (Amanda, Bryan, Cody) of Damascus, OR; and Meshel L. and John Adams (Ariel, Brianna, Jake) of Kansas City, MO.

Donations may be made to the Disabled American Veterans or a charity of your choice. To leave memories of Jim or condolences for the family, go to www.FuneralAlternatives.org.

Arrangements are with Funeral Alternatives of Washington 360-753-1065.