James L. Philp

1955 - 2021

James L. "Jim" Philp, 65, of Keokuk, passed away at his home, from ALS, on Tuesday, Aug. 24, 2021.

He was born Nov. 6, 1955, in Keokuk, the son of Harold and Arlene Andrews Philp.

Jim graduated from Keokuk Senior High School with the class of 1974.

On March 3, 1978, Jim was united in marriage with Mary Joy Aitken in Keokuk. She survives.

He is also survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Curtis and Erin Philp; his granddaughter Eliza Philp of Alexandria, Va.; and his father Harold Philp of Keokuk.

He was preceded in death by his mother Arlene Philp; and his mother- and father-in law, Richard and Marita Aitken.

He worked his entire life in Keokuk, first as a teamster, and helped build Climax and Griffin Wheel. He then worked as an inspector at Griffin Wheel. Later, he owned his own golf cart repair business, The Cart Doctor, worked as a courier at First Community Bank, and then worked as a funeral assistant at Vigen Memorial Home.

Jim loved his family and was interested in everything his son was interested in. They enjoyed baseball, the St. Louis Cardinals, and, in later years, the Washington Nationals, and attended many games. Curtis taught his Dad how to golf and they enjoyed playing together for many years. Jim was an animal lover and had dogs and cats his entire life, most recently Daisy, his closest four-legged companion. Jim was thrilled to welcome Curtis' wife, Erin to the family as his daughter and was over-the-moon when his granddaughter, Eliza arrived. Jim had many friends in Keokuk and was always willing to help out with anything in order to make things better for the other person.

A graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Sandusky Cemetery, with the Rev. Dan Deatrick officiating.

Visitation will be held prior to the service on Monday from 10-11 a.m. at Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk, with family meeting with friends at that time. Masks and social distancing are required for the visitation and the graveside service.

Memorials may be made to Lee County Hospice or Keokuk Animal Services.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.vigenmemorialhome.com.