JAMES J. KEANE

After a courageous 8 year battle with cancer, Jim Keane passed away at 5:50 am on Thursday the 17 of January at home with his family on Kauai. He had 16 months of heaven on his dream island before his maker called him home.

Jim was born 9/25/42 in Kalispell Montana. As a youth he grew up in Bozeman Montana and in 1955 his family relocated to Pasco Washington.

After high school he joined the US Army Reserves and upon completion of his training with an honorable discharge he attended and graduated from Eastern Washington University with a degree in Marketing.

He married Ann Lally on January 18, 1969. They were blessed with 3 children, Chris, Kelly and Ryan.

He began his radio career as an advertising sales representative for KREM Radio in Spokane in the early 70's. In 1978 Jim and Ann purchased KAPS Radio. At that time the station was a 500 watt day time only operation operating at 1470AM. Jim felt there was a strong need for a second full time radio station in Skagit Valley and in 1992 after 12 years of negotiations with the FCC he was granted a license to increase the KAPS signal power to 10,000 watts, change frequency to the current 660AM and operate 24 hours per day. In 1996 he and Ann purchased KBRC bringing Skagit County's first radio station back to local ownership.

He retired from KAPS & KBRC May first 2011 after 33 years of building the voice of the valley and participating in many community supporting events and celebrations in Skagit Valley. He was actively involved in the community serving on the boards of directors for the United Way and Secret Harbor School for many years. He was also a long time member of Mount Vernon Rotary. He was a hands on owner and active in the daily operation of KAPS and KBRC until they decided to sell and retire.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Jim is survived by his loving family, wife Ann, daughter Kelly, sons Chris and Ryan (Yolande). He is also survived by his sister Pat Uhlrich of Richland, WA, brother Jerry Keane (Cathy) of Mount Vernon plus numerous nieces and nephews.

A family memorial has been held on the island. Your personal memories of this kind generous gentleman can be emailed to country@kapsradio.com.

"Keep Your KAPS On!"