James F. Keeley

1973 - 2021

James F. Keeley
February 24, 1973 - July 4, 2021
Collinsville, Illinois - James F. "Jay" Keeley, age 48, of Collinsville, IL, born on February 24, 1973, in Belleville, IL, died on Sunday, July 4, 2021, in Steelville, MO.
Dad, Jay was truly the life of the party. Whether it be trying on his nieces' clothes or pouring enough tabasco on his food to make even you sweat, he was sure to make everyone laugh with his quick wit and sarcastic sense of humor. He was always there to watch his daughter, Elizabeth play lacrosse, talk with his son, Phillip about cars (and lose nearly every argument about it because Phillip knows best), or to watch his fiancé's son, Taylor play baseball. In his free time, he enjoyed playing golf almost as much as he enjoyed bragging about his golfing days. He also loved to cook. He was always whipping up some new special concoction in the kitchen. "Come try this so I know if I need to order a pizza." Most of the time pizza was not needed…most of the time. We all have such fond memories of Jay, and although his death was sudden, he entered his final resting place doing what he loved and was guided by the angels of the family.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Betty Lou Keeley, nee Holten; his brother, Mark Keeley; and two nephews, Charles DeLong and Patrick M. Keeley.
Jay is survived by his children, Elizabeth Keeley and Phillip Keeley; his fiancé, Amy Hustedde and her son, Taylor Hustedde; the mother of his children, Amelia Keeley; his father, P.J. (Virginia) Keeley; and his siblings, Patrick (Sue) Keeley, Kathy (Bruce) DeLong, Karen (Mark) Ebel, Peggy (Jim) Steck, Tim Keeley (Ashley McBride), Mary Kocour, and Jamie (Van) Cailteux. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Condolences may be made to the family at www.kasslyfuneral.com.
Memorials may be made to the Elizabeth and Phillip Keeley College Fund and will be accepted at the mortuary.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 11, 2021, from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Kassly Mortuary, Ltd., Fairview Heights, IL.
A funeral procession will leave Kassly Mortuary, Ltd., Fairview Heights, IL, on Monday, July 12, 2021, at 9:30 a.m. for a 10:00 a.m. Mass of Christian burial at Blessed Sacrament Church, Belleville, IL. Fr. Matt Elie will officiate. Interment will be held in Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Belleville, IL.