James Franklin Key

1939 - 2024

James Franklin Key

September 6, 1939 - January 21, 2024

Durham, North Carolina - James Franklin Key, 84, of Durham, NC, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 21, 2024 surrounded by his loving family.

He is survived by his son, Jim Key (Ruth), daughter, Patti Key (Pam), grandchildren, Jay Key (Julianne) and Rachel Oliver (Brandon), great-grandsons, David and Luke, sister-in-law, Mary Kay Baldauf and nieces, Mary Pat Baldauf and Beth Baldauf of Columbia, SC. He was preceded in death by his best friend and wife of 62 years, Patricia Kay Key and his mother, Tecia Key Graham.

Jim was born on his grandparents' farm in Lee County. He graduated from Vass-Lakeview High School in 1957 and attended UNC-Chapel Hill.

Jim proudly enlisted in the US Navy and served as a Naval Hospital Corpsman at Portsmouth Naval Hospital, aboard the USS Lexington and at Camp Lejeune. Jim left active duty in 1963 but continued in the Naval Reserves; and retired with over twenty years as a Chief Petty Officer.

Jim's training as a Hospital Corpsman and his excellent service record led him to be recruited into the newly formed Physician's Assistant program at Duke University. In 1971 he became one of the first Radiology P.A.s in the country. Jim eventually became the Director of Radiology at the Durham VA Hospital until retiring in 1992.

Big Jim's smartest decision was marrying the love of his life, Pat. They loved and encouraged their children and grandchildren and rarely missed a sporting or school event. They enjoyed doing things together, including visiting thirteen different countries and all fifty states.

His sense of humor was infectious and he loved to make people laugh with his jokes and stories. One of his greatest joys was helping others find the perfect car for the perfect price. He even bought a car for his one-year-old great-grandson.

A Celebration Service of Jim's Life will be held Saturday, February 3, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Hillsborough United Methodist Church followed by a reception hosted by the Hillsborough United Methodist Women. The family is assisted by the Cremation Society of the Carolinas.

The family is grateful to Pastor Cameron Merrill and the Hillsborough UMC Women for their love and support. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.