John Francis "Jack" O'Keefe

John Francis O'Keefe, born June 4, 1959, passed away peacefully on July 26, 2025, at the age of 66.
John, always known as Jack, was the beloved son of David B. and Beverly A. O'Keefe, and a cherished brother to Kevin M. O'Keefe and his spouse Rafaela Hallers O'Keefe. Jack will be fondly remembered by his nephew, Brian C. O'Keefe. He is also survived by his cousins: Terry O'Keefe, Steve O'Keefe, Mike O'Keefe, Judy Stanley (née Feather), Jane Otto (née Feather), and Jim Feather.
A proud graduate of Midland High School, Class of 1977, Jack pursued his passion for history at Florida State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts. He continued his studies at the University of South Carolina, completing a Master of Arts in History, and later obtained a TESOL certificate from the University of Hawaii, reflecting his dedication to teaching and cross-cultural understanding.
Jack's professional life was initially dedicated to teaching English to foreign students at Hawaii Pacific University and Penn State University. In his final career position, as an English Proficiency Assessment Specialist at Educational Testing Service (ETS) in Princeton, New Jersey, Jack worked as a contributor to ETS tests of English and reading proficiency.
Jack will be remembered for his intellect, dry and often self-deprecating humor, and being deeply valued as a source of knowledge and inspiration to his professional colleagues. He touched the lives of many through his work in Hawaii, New Jersey, and Michigan.
Visitation and a Catholic Mass will begin at 10:00 a.m. on August 5, 2025, at Blessed Sacrament Church in Midland, Michigan.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Jack's honor as a childhood cancer survivor to The National Pediatric Cancer Foundation (www.nationalpcf.org).
He will be deeply missed and forever loved.