JAMES HENRY KEATING

1921 - 2011

James Henry Keating, of Anacortes, passed away peacefully April 14, 2011, at Rosario Assisted Living, in Anacortes, WA.

He was the younger twin born October 31, 1921, to James E. and Mary M. (Jasper) Keating in Great Falls, MT. He attended school at Rainbow Dam and Great Falls and graduated in 1939.

Jim joined the Navy in January 1940. He served as an Aviation Radioman (RM-2 QA) in Panama until he began flight school in December 1941, at Pensacola, FL. He graduated as an Aviation Pilot 2 (AP2) on June 4, 1942, promoted to Chief Aviation Pilot (CAP) April 1, 1944, and received a commission to Ensign May 17, 1944.

On April 25, 1942, Jim married his high school sweetheart, Betty Jean Cravens, in Pensacola. Together they raised two sons, James Neil and Thomas Edward.

During WWII he flew the PBY (July 1942 - May 1943) and PB4Y (Oct 1943 - Dec 1944). During the Korean War he served aboard the aircraft carrier USS Kearsage (June 1952 - Jan 1954). Other assignments included the Pentagon and the Naval War College (student and staff). His final assignment was ComFairWhidbey Staff where he retired as a Commander July 31, 1966, after 26½ years of service. His awards and decorations include two Distinguished Flying Crosses, Nine Air Medals, Good Conduct Medal, unit citations, campaign, and service medals.

After he retired, Jim and Betty moved to a lovely spot on Gibralter Road where they worked together to build their home. They loved hard work and the outdoors. With partners, Stuart and Betty Mason, they bought the FV Oslo and fished commercially for several years. Their next adventure was farming in Choteau, MT., with Betty's brother, Robert and his wife, Lois (Coefield) Cravens.

Jim loved God, country, family and friends. He and Betty were faithful and active members of St. Mary Catholic Church. Jim was a Sacristan, a team leader for Eucharistic Ministers, and a member of the Knights of Columbus. He could always be counted on to assist whenever and wherever needed. Jim and Betty enjoyed spending time with family and friends and visiting lifelong friends around the country.

Jim moved to Rosario Assisted Living in January 2006 where he made many new friends and received loving care from the staff.

Jim was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Mary in (1946), his mother, (1954), his father, (1964), his twin brother, Jack (John H) (1985), his wife, Betty (2005), his sister, Josephine Swift (2010), and his son, James (2011).

He will be missed by his son and wife, Thomas and Sherry (Maylor) Keating of Lacey; sister-in-law, Marie (Olds) Keating of Great Falls, MT; cousin, Mary Ann Simons of Edmonds, WA; five grandchildren; and 9 great-grandchildren, EJ and Suzie Keating, (Sadie, Corey, Connor) of Olympia, WA, Lynn M. Keating, Portland, OR, Jamie A. Keating, Branson, MO, Sherry D. and Craig Bufton (Amanda, Bryan, Cody) of Damascus, OR, and Meshel L. and John Adams (Ariel, Brianna, Jake) of Kansas City, MO.

Jim was loved by many and respected by all who knew him. He leaves a legacy of faith, honor, love and family. Our loss is heaven's gain.

A Rosary Service was held at 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 19, 2011 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Anacortes. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, April 20, 2011 at St. Mary Catholic Church, followed by interment with military honors at Fernhill Cemetery in Anacortes. A reception will be held at the Fr. Auer Center at the Church following interment.

Memorials may be made to St. Mary Catholic Church, 4001 St. Mary Dr, Anacortes, WA, 98221, your favorite Veterans Organization, or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements are in the care of Evans Funeral Chapel and Crematory, Inc., Anacortes, WA and the San Juan Islands. To share memories of James, please sign the online guest register at www.evanschapel.com.