Durham, New Hampshire
1922 - 2010
Durham, NH - James H. Keeler Jr. 88, passed away Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at the Hyder Family Hospice House, Dover, NH, with his family at his side. He formally lived at The Inn at Spruce Woods, Durham, NH.
Born in White Plains, NY, on April 9, 1922, to James Harold Keeler Sr. and Ethelind Sleeper Keeler. He graduated from Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, NY in 1948 with a BS in Mechanical Engineering. He served in WW II, as a Navy flight instructor. Lt. J.G. James was employed by General Electric for 38 yrs, working on jet engine turbines, meters and transform divisions and a member of the Elfun Society. While residing in Rowley, MA he was on the school board, chairman for 19 yrs. and chairman of school board for the building of the new Triton Regional Junior and High School. He was a member of the First Congregational Church of Rowley. Chairman of the Board of Commissioners for the Rowley Light Dept. Cable Memorial Hospital board of Trustee, chairman. Started the Barnstormers (square dancing) and caller. Formed a BSA Explore Post.
He moved to Lee, NH joining the Lee Church Congregational, U.C.C. As a member he held positions of Trustee, Deacon and a Carroll-Strafford County Committee of Church and Ministry. Jim worked on Habitat for Humanity projects. He was a participant in the Rockingham County Guardianship Monitoring Program. He was named Rotarian “Man of the Year”. His love for the outdoors included hiking, fishing, camping and skiing. He volunteered as an instructor for Maine Handicapped Skiing for 17 yrs. and was a PSIA Alpine and Adaptive instructor. Jim was a longtime member of the Appalachian Mountain Club. He climbed with his family and was a member of the New England 4000 Ft Club. He climbed Mount Kala Pattar, in Nepal.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Marjorie T. Keeler, sister Nancy McCormick, of Fishkill, NY, his late brother, William Keeler. Four children, James H. Keeler III and wife Regina, Shelby Township, MI, Kathryn K. Hampe and husband Robert, Ossipee, NH, Richard B. Keeler and wife Jo Ann, Wrentham, MA, David A. Keeler and wife Sandra, Dover, NH. Grandchildren Christopher J. Keeler, Jennifer L. Keeler, Joel S. Hampe, Jason C. Hampe, Lauren E. Keeler, Ryan J. Keeler, Bethany M. Keeler, Bradley G. Keeler, great grandchildren Scott Keeler, Angela Pion, Elizabeth Morris, Rebecca Morris, Jason J. Hickman, Lilly J. Hickman, Step-great grandchildren Samantha Raymond, Gabriel Raymond.
Visiting hours will be held on Friday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Kent & Pelczar Funeral Home, 77 Exeter St., Newmarket, NH.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday at 11 a.m., at Lee Church Congregational, 17 Mast Rd., Lee, NH.
Donations are suggested to Maine Handicapped Skiing, 8 Sundance Ln., Newry, ME 04261 and Lee Church Congregational, 17 Mast Rd., Lee, NH.
Visit www.kentandpelczarfh.com to sign an online guestbook.
One of my fondest memories of Jim was climbing Mount Washington with the llamas and all the training walks leading to that feat. He led us up Camel's Hump with care and compassion.
My love and sympathy go out to you Marge and your wonderful family. May their love and your years of good memories give you peace and comfort now and in the days to come. Betsy and Bud Booth
July 20, 2010
Richard -
Your dad's death is a sad loss for your family and many others. I know he will be sorely missed.
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Paula (Nolan) Geraci
July 20, 2010 | Worcester, MA
Dear Dave and Family
Sorry to hear of your loss. I remember Dave. He was a great man . It is a good thing to have someone like him in the world to emulate. He was/ is an inspireation.
Laurie Bernier
Laurie Bernier
July 18, 2010 | Raymond, ME
DAVE AND FAMILY, SORRY TO HEAR OF YOUR LOSS OF YOUR FATHER. YOU ALWAYS SPOKE OF HIM WITH SUCH PROUDNESS. I KNOW THIS IS A DIFFICULT TIME FOR ALL OF YOU. MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU
SONYA
July 17, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Ron & Lynn Berry
Lynn Berry
July 17, 2010 | Northwood, NH
JULY 16, 2010
I WILL TREASURE THE WONDERFUL MEMORIES OF TIME SPENT WITH JIM.MY SINCERE SYMPATHY AND PRAYERS GO TO MARGE AND FAMILY.JIM WAS A VERY SPECIAL FRIEND, A REMARKABLE MAN WITH A GREAT SENSE OF HUMOR.NOW HE CAN LOOK DOWN ON MT. EVEREST AND MT.KALAPATAR.
LOVE, ELLIE FLINT CAMPBELL 89 TREKKER
July 16, 2010
So sorry to hear of your dads passing however under all circumstances it's a gift isn't it Dave..
You two were a great team at MHS and he was a very proud being your dad.
Hope to see you again next year for yet another season..
russ connors
russ connors
July 16, 2010 | Cape Elizabeth, ME
Dave and family: My thoughts are with you in this time of reflection. Thanks for sharing Jim with us at MHS for all the years he was there. He did his thing all day long and helped to bring smiles and good times to many people. He will be missed.
'The Pickle Guy'
Eric Davis
July 16, 2010 | Shapleigh, ME
Marge and family, so sad to hear about Jim. We have just lost a great man, loved by everyone who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Love George & Meda Durepo
July 15, 2010