Jim Keller

James Richard Keller was born November 23, 1932, in Atlantic, Iowa, to Helen Campbell and Richard Keller. He passed away peacefully Sunday, April 24, 2005, at the Alamogordo, New Mexico hospital. Graveside memorial services will be held 10:30 a.m., Monday June 13, 2005, at Memory Cemetery, New Market, Iowa with Loren Daly officiating. The family invites his friends to attend the services and lunch and visitation at the Community Center, New Market, Iowa following the services. Walker-Merrick Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

James Richard Keller was born November 23, 1932, in Atlantic, Iowa, to Helen Campbell and Richard Keller. He passed away peacefully Sunday, April 24, 2005, at the Alamogordo, New Mexico hospital.

When he was a young child, the family moved to Taylor county, near Guss where Jim attended Fairview School, later moving to New Market where Jim finished grade school and graduated from New Market High School in 1950. After graduation, he went to Montana to work for the Bureau of Public Roads and National Forestry Service, where he continued his career for 32 years. He retired in 1985 on the Lincoln National in New Mexico. His career was filled with great ambition, pride, and many accomplishments. Jim met Anita Newton in Missoula, Montana and they were married September 28, 1963. They enjoyed a wonderful 42 years together. From this union, were born two daughters, Shelly and Kerri. They were greatly privileged to have been touched by him. Jim is missed and loved by many. He always enjoyed the big family reunions and was usually the life of the party. He was baptized as a child at the United Methodist Church at New Market, Iowa.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Helen and Vance McPike; two sisters, Eleanor Ruth Keller and Betty Clayton; and three brothers-in-law, Robert Leighton, Ross King, and Alvin Clayton. He is survived by his wife, Anita; daughters, Shelly Keller of Alamogordo, New Mexico, Kerri Curnow and husband Richard of Missouri; three grandchildren, Shannon, James (Bo), and Corey Booth. He is also survived by sisters, Arlene King, Jean Graham and husband Roy, Mary Combs and husband Lyle, Loleta Spring and husband Gary, Judy Sparks; two brothers, Jack and wife Mary Ann and Rich and wife Cindi and Anita's family in Montana. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

Graveside memorial services will be held 10:30 a.m., Monday June 13, 2005, at Memory Cemetery, New Market, Iowa with Loren Daly officiating. The family invites his friends to attend the services and lunch and visitation at the Community Center, New Market, Iowa following the services. Walker-Merrick Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.