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James O'Keefe Obituary

O'KEEFE, JAMES REGAN "ROCKY"
James Regan O'Keefe, "Rocky" passed away on Saturday, January 5, 2008. He is survived by his mother, Jane Strong; sister, Mary Miller of Carrollton, Texas; brothers Kevin O'Keefe (Dawna) of Carlsbad and Steven O'Keefe of Kauai; former wife, Faith Janeski Price, and beloved nieces and nephews. He was born in San Bernardino on November 11, 1946, to Jane and James E. O'Keefe. He attended Granite Hills and El Cajon High Schools and San Diego State College where he was affiliated with Sigma Chi. Rocky became a San Diego City lifeguard, living at the beach and surfing up and down the coast in Mexico and Hawaii. His love of surfing was a life long passion as was his love of reading. Rocky valued his many friendships as his most prize possession. A celebration of life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 16th, at The Congregational Church of La Jolla at 1216 Cave Street. Another celebration will be held in Hanalei, Kauai, where his ashes will be spread by his brothers and his Hawaiian friends. We wish to thank Sharp Memorial ICU and SICU Units, Dr. Ronald Miller and the San Diego Cardiac Center for their compassionate care. The family requests no flowers be sent.Please sign the guest book at obituaries.uniontrib.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Diego Union-Tribune on Feb. 3, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
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3 Entries

Jon Helland

February 3, 2008

Dear Jane, Mary, Kevin, and Steve,

My heartfelt condolences. It was special living and swimming next to your family. Will cherish the memories always. Love and Sympathy, Jon

bill sutherland

February 3, 2008

Rocky was one of the most remarkable people that I have ever known. He was a wonderful friend and mentor to me and many more ...
There wasn't a book that he had not read or was interested in reading. Rocky impressed me most when I lived in Kauai. His house was something straight out of Robinson and Crusoe.He was a man of the earth,sea and arts.He was incrediblely independent and private - which added to his mystic. Truly a Renasissance man! But,one last surprise from you. I now know why you never mentioned your middle name. Thank you Rocky for being!
Bill and Betsy Sutherland

I

Jim Westwood

February 3, 2008

Rocky's smile and energy was always fun to be around; whether it was at San Diego State or at the beach life guarding (plus a good parties).

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