Toledo, Ohio
1930 - 2023
James George Keeler
James George Keeler, of Toledo, OH, passed away on June 18, 2023 at Hospice of Northwest Ohio - Toledo at the age of 92. He was born on November 21, 1930, the only child of Clara Kern Keeler and Herbert Keeler. Jim graduated from DeVilbiss High School in 1949 and received his Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from the University of Toledo in 1956.
A Korean War veteran, he had basic training at Indiantown Gap Military Reservation, PA and served as a Corporal until 1953 as an office clerk in El Paso, TX.
His professional floral career began working for Fred Bartz and in 1959 he and his wife, Joan, opened Jim Keeler Florist, maintaining the business for 37 years. He retired from Michael's 20 years later. His artistic and creative talents led to his receiving the Grand Champion of the Michigan State Florist's Association "Arrangement of the Day" award in 1955. His personal attention to his customers led to his business success.
On April 19,1958, he married Joan Burgoon. Together they enjoyed many community activities including the Toledo Symphony Orchestra, Toledo Museum of Art, The Toledo Zoo and the Metroparks. Jim also enjoyed classical music, especially pipe organs. He was a long-time member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, downtown Toledo.
Surviving are his wife, Joan; daughters, Julie (Gary) Paulsen and Jill (Rob) Kohntopp; grandchildren, Sara Paulsen (James Tomlinson), Andrew Paulsen, Elizabeth "Betsy" Paulsen, Emily Paulsen, Amanda Kohntopp and Joshua Kohntopp; and great- granddaughter, Emma Tomlinson.
Visitation will be held at the Foth-Dorfmeyer Mortuary, 3815 Sylvania Ave. (at Woodley Rd.) Wednesday from 3-7 p.m. where funeral services will be held Thursday at 1 p.m. Interment Ottawa Hills Memorial Park.
Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Paul's Lutheran Church or the charity of the donor's choice.
The family would like to thank the Elizabeth Scott Community and Hospice of Northwest Ohio for the care and compassion shown to them.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.fothdorfmeyer.com
Dear Joan, Julie, and Jill,
It was with deep sadness that I learned of Jim's passing. I worked for Jim at Keeler Florist during the holidays while I was at the University. I remember your family with great fondness. I extend my sympathy to all of you and pray God gives you strength and courage in the days ahead. Very sincerely,
Audie Laver Jaqua
audie jaqua
June 22, 2023 | Sylvania, OH | Friend
Jim was a very kind and gentle man and a good friend to both of my parents Bill and Jane Granger. I enjoyed sharing lunches with him and Joan as we celebrated my Dad's birthdays. He will be missed i know- but he and my Dad are having a great reunion in Heaven!! Many blessings to your family.
Janie Driscoll
June 21, 2023
Eternal Friendship Remembrance Bouquet - VASE INCLUDED
Dave and Jodie Burgoon
June 21, 2023
Dear Joan and family. I am so saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. Glad that he had hospice so there was support. Joan, mother loved you and your beautiful personality. Sending much love from SW Ohio.
Judy Haynes
June 21, 2023 | Lebanon, OH | Family
My condolences to the family. Jim was the best man at my parents wedding and we spent many of my dad´s birthdays with Jim and Joan. He was a kinds gentle man and a great friend. I enjoyed the many lunches we had and he will be missed. My heart goes out to Joan and the family
Vickie Frha
June 21, 2023 | Friend
Jim was a cousin of my mom’s first husband, but I never met him and Joan until I joined St. Paul’s after college. He was a wonderful caring person and his enduring legacy is his family and all the friends he made during his lifetime.
My condolences to the Keeler family. Wishing you warm memories of a wonderful man.
Paul Ballas
June 21, 2023 | Tucson, AZ | Family
A kind and good friend and a great cousin. I never knew all his accomplishments. Never knew he was in the service. His mother and my mother were very close. Lucille Kern Sherman. I think they were the same age. My sincere sympathy to Joan and children, grand and great grandchildren. I am one of those people who are : woulda, coulda, shoulda called but now it is too late. I will call Joan in a few weeks. Hope she reads this. I emailed all our cousins, Jerry Kern, Becky Bailes, Kay...
Jean Neshkoff
June 20, 2023 | Sylvania, OH | Family
