James E. Keyes Jr.

1948 - 2026

James E. Keyes, Jr.
Early on the morning of February 2, 2026, James Ernest Keyes, Jr., peacefully transitioned. He was born in New Haven, on June 18, 1948, to the late James E. Keyes, Sr. and Dorothy Manning Keyes.
He was educated in New Haven Public Schools and Post College, now Post University. He was an athlete at James Hillhouse High School in several sports. He fiercely loved his son, Paul Manning Keyes; and his grandson, Camryn Alix Keyes.
In his last days, he was surrounded by his son, siblings, nieces, and first and second cousins who live in CT. His nephews, nieces, cousins and many friends who live a distance phoned him and shared memories, music and laughter. He loved music, all sports, the arts, family and great food. He was a member of I.U.O.E. Local 478, employed as an Operating Engineer for many years. He last resided at Whispering Pines, where staff loved and cared for him with tenderness and genuine affection. He was predeceased by his parents; and a brother, Mark Nathaniel Keyes, all of Milford. In addition to his son and grandson, he is survived by his sister, Denise Manning Keyes (Page); and brother, Paul Nelson Keyes; four nieces, one nephew, three grandnephews, one grandniece, cousins and loved ones.
A celebration of his life will be on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at 11:00am, with a visitation from 9:30am – 11:00am, at Howard K. Hill Funeral Services, 1287 Chapel Street, New Haven, CT 06511. Repast to follow. Inurnment will take place at a later date. To leave a message of comfort for the Keyes family, view the full obituary, and livestreaming of services, please visit, www.hkhfuneralservices.com .