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James Keatts Obituary
1937-2017
James Griffin Keatts, MD (August 1, 1937-July 31, 2017) was born in Little Rock, Arkansas. He graduated from Subiaco Academy in 1955, and then attended Little Rock Junior College. While attending, Jim helped to start a petition drive to turn Little Rock Junior College into what is now known as the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
Jim enlisted in the Navy in 1958 and proudly served on the USS Intrepid as a hospital corpsman. This is what inspired him to return to college to become a physician as he previously planned to become a writer prior to his enlistment.
He graduated with a BS from Little Rock University in 1964, and was accepted into and completed Medical School at the University of Arkansas. He completed his internship in Kansas City, Missouri, at Menorah Medical, and then completed an ophthalmology residency at UTMB in Galveston. He was board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology, was a member of the American Medical Association, and numerous other medical societies and associations.
He leaves to cherish his memories his wife of 36 years, Janet; daughter, Julie Owen and her husband, Steve of Pasadena, CA; and son, Jeff Keatts of Denver, Colorado. He also leaves 2 grandsons, 2 granddaughters, and one great grandson. He is survived by two brothers, Henry Keatts and wife Carole, of Tampa, FL, and Chuck Keatts of Little Rock, AR; and numerous nieces and nephews who affectionately referred to him as "Swammi," because he knew all!
His memories will remain in the hearts of many, his quick wit, smiles and laughter will be missed.
A celebration of Jim's life will be shared with his friends and family at the Walden Golf and Country Club at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 6, 2017.
The family would also like to thank the many doctors and nurses that cared for James, with special thanks to his pulmonary specialist, Dr. Ather Siddiqi, who made it possible for him to get in those extra rounds of golf.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to The Braden Bailess Memorial Fund, 15814 Champions Forest Drive # 142, Spring, Texas 77379. Those wishing to post tributes and memories to the family may do so at www.eickenhorstfuneral.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Keatts
Sponsored by Eickenhorst Funeral Services.
Brenda Collins
July 31, 2022
My daughter and l were remembering Jim and laughing about the fond memories.
Hope you are doing well. You are a strong lovely person. God bless you Janet!
Brenda Damon Collins
November 14, 2021
Janet l just at this moment learned of Jim´s passing. My heart hurts for you. Jim was an extremely wonderful special kind man. I am truly so sorry you your loss. God bless
November 7, 2018
He was a great man. So sorry Jan. Hope we can meet with you again some time if you like. Candia
November 7, 2018
My condolences.I just found out about about Dr. Keatts. He was like a brother to me and I loved him to death. Please give me a call if you like. Arlevia (Lee)
713-419-3232
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Teri Whittington
August 5, 2017
RIP Dr. Keatts. My heartfelt condolences to the family.
Linda Webb
August 5, 2017
My first job as a high school VOE student landed me in Dr Keatts' medical office years & years ago. It was that time in a kids life when it begins to open up and real world experiences (outside your sheltered home life) begin. His bigger-than-life persona and contagious laughter left an impression on me. I have thought back on those years and on him with great fondness many times. RIP Dr Keatts .... I know you will be missed by many! --Linda
Jack Dugan M.D.
August 4, 2017
I feel like my life has been truly blessed by being able to share life with Dr. Keatts both in the O.R.and the Golf course as well as the golf course of life. what a special person who loved Life to the fullest as well as his wonderful wife , janet. my thoughts and prayers to his family n Janet.I only hope the joyful memories will offset the huge loss. I will always smile,no, laugh joyfully when I think of Dr. Jim. He will be dearly missed!
ann wood
August 4, 2017
Dr Keats was a very good dr.He operated on my daughters eye approx. 1974-then later referred us to Dr von noorden at medical center-- we will always, be very thankful for him.
Barbara Cooper
August 4, 2017
Prayers in your time of need
August 3, 2017
My condolences and prayers for the family. Jim brought me in and taught me cataract surgery when I started selling IOLs with 3M in the late 80s. He treated me like family. Jim and Janet were a super team and so much fun to work with. He worked hard and played hard. I am blessed to have known him and laugh so hard till I cried on the golf course. If I was on his team and sunk a putt we were best friends. If I missed it I had to prepare myself for a barrage of expletives concerning my character.
One of my last times with Jim at Walden was when we picked him up to sub in for a player that no showed the Marvin Zindler. I kid you not he got a Hole in One and won a Lexus RX SUV. It was incredible.
But Jim was an incredible guy. Quick wit, wicked laugh, boyish grin and a big heart. You always remember that hole in one if you're part of that club. And I will always remember Jim Keatts and my time with him in life and on the links. God Bless you Doc.
Bill Fox
August 3, 2017
MY heartfelt sympathy to the family. My memories of Dr Keatts are of love , hard work, and laughter.I learned so much from him about life and ophthalmology. I have been thinking of him so much recently and our years of work together. I will always be grateful for his high expectations of me and all those around him. His larger than life character and Big Heart will surely be missed. Rest in Peace, Doc. and know you touched many with your love and guidance.For his family I wish nothing but strength ,comfort and Love. Namaste ,my friends Angela Y Gonzalez
Meg Gibson
August 3, 2017
I have many special memories of Dr. Keatts, as I worked for and with him for over 20 years. He was a generous and loving spirit and lived life to the fullest. He was a wonderful surgeon, friend, father, golfer, and husband to his loving wife, Janet. He was "one of a kind" and I feel richly blessed to have known him. I loved him like a member of my family, and I will miss his phone calls asking "what are you up to"?
Rest in peace, dear friend.
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