James J. McKeown

James J. McKeown, 77, answered the call of his Heavenly Father on July 18, 2025. Jim passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family, and in the presence of God and the spirits of those who had gone before him. He was predeceased by his mother, Mary "Molly" McKeown, his in-laws, Dot and Mickey Stewart, and his precious granddaughter, Julia Kaori Yamada. Jim was also predeceased by his faithful pup, Rocky, who never left his side.
He is survived by his wife, Patricia Stewart McKeown, whom he met 60 years ago when she was sixteen going on seventeen and he "dropped in" as a Senior at Mater Dei High School. It truly was love at first sight.
Jim is also survived by his son, Sean, and his wife, Ye, and their daughters Scarlett Jing and Faye Patricia; daughter Kelly and Masami Yamada and their son, Michael; and daughter Kimberly and husband Dougie Chudzik and their children: son, Douglas James and his wife Julia, and daughter Emma Rose. He is also survived by his sister, Margaret Keegan, and brother, Denis McKeown, and their families. Jim is also survived by his dear and loyal friend, Dr. Douglas Chudzik.
Jim had a rewarding career at Jersey Central Power & Light Company. He started as a lineman without a bucket truck, climbing poles and towers, fearless and hard working to provide for his family and keep the lights on. At home, Jim was an avid gardener. He always said "You are what you eat" and he was committed to growing healthy fruit and vegetables for his family. He grew the best Jersey tomatoes and the sweetest corn. We didn't pick the corn until the water came to a boil, and the peas rarely made it into the house. We will never forget how wonderful it was to open Mason jars of marinara sauce, raspberry jam, and dill pickles throughout the winter.
Jim loved the San Francisco Giants since they first played in New York, and he enjoyed many days at Monmouth Park Racetrack. He loved nature and the great outdoors. Jim especially loved birds. He supplied them with food and water year-round, and planted a variety of shrubs and flowers specifically to provide them with food and shelter. He enjoyed fishing and crabbing, and was always conscientious and responsible about what he kept from his catch. No matter how big a crab might have been, females always went back in the water. He was a great cook and loved to cook for his family. His seafood feasts on Christmas Eve were legendary, a tradition that his family will continue in his honor.
Jim was a true original. He had an inquisitive and perceptive mind and was Columbo's biggest fan. Jim always taught his children to think as individuals, to be true to themselves, and to care. To those who were blessed to know him, he was a man of integrity and great emotional depth. No matter what, he never gave up. He passed away as he had lived - with courage and dignity. Daddy, "Gree", "Grampi", "Homer" was deeply loved and will be greatly missed - rest in peace, Jim.