James Keyzer

James Arthur Keyzer (“Jim”), 81, of 7547 Shore Drive, Creswell, NC died Saturday, September 28, 2024.  

Jim was born on May 24,1943 in Walton, NY to the late John Pieter Keyzer and the late Esther Marie Seymore Keyzer. A native of Terra Ceia in Beaufort County, Jim graduated from Pantego High School. He then attended Wilson Community College, earned his bachelor’s degree from Shaw University and his master’s degree from Appalachian State University.  After graduating, Jim worked at Cummings Diesel Sales Corporation, Wayne Community College, and the Community College of Beaver County in Monaco, PA. In 1971, Jim began working at Anson Community College, where he worked until he retired 25 years later.  While in Wadesboro, Jim volunteered with the Cub Scouts and was actively involved in Experimental Aircraft Association as well as the Wadesboro Rotary Club, for which he served as president.  

In addition to his long career in community college administration, Jim was a tireless “tinkerer” and derived a great deal of enjoyment from pursuing his many hobbies. He was an expert wing shooter with precision aim, as demonstrated by his class D state championship in skeet shooting.  Jim loved all things mechanical, learning how to fix tractors on the family farm as a kid and later wrenching on cars that he built and then raced.  As a child, he enjoyed model planes - which ultimately led to him becoming a licensed pilot and even to building his own gyrocopter.  Jim also enjoyed the water and could often be found on Lake Phelps entertaining family and friends with boats, jet skis, or his world-famous cooking.  An immense source of pride and gratification came from working with his siblings in the 1980’s to build a family lake house, named Keybokey-Vanokey, which enabled extended family to gather often and create lifelong memories.  

A visitation will be held at Paul Funeral home, Washington, NC on Friday, October 4, 2024 at 11:00 am, followed by a service at 12:00 pm with Dr. Algie Gatewood and Chaplain Denise Noble officiating.  

Jim is survived by his wife, Linda D. Keyzer; his sons, Kent Keyzer (Lila), Jerry Keyzer, Greg Keyzer, and his daughter Krystal Haselden; siblings Mark Keyzer and Debra Van Staalduinen; grandsons Justin Keyzer (Kami) and Keyzer Haselden; granddaughters Lacey Boyd (Marcus), Olivia Keyzer and Iva Haselden; great-grandchildren Myla Boyd, Greyson Boyd, Jayden Keyzer, Kamden Keyzer and Kinsley Keyzer; his stepsons David Tucker (Shannon) and Jeff Tucker (Betsy); step-grandson Ben Tucker, and step-granddaughters Carson Tucker and Sadie Tucker. 

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his brothers, Jack and Pieter Keyzer, and sisters, Darlene Noble and Karen Bowen.  

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations can be made to Terra Ceia Christian School: https://www.tccschool.com/connect-with-us/support-us.cfm

Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com 

Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve Jim’s family.