James Keiper

James Eugene Keiper, 83, of Waynesville, NC, Fruitland Park, FL, Chanhassen and Hackensack, passed away peacefully Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, in Asheville.

Jim was born Oct. 28, 1942, in Chicago to Delphin Courtley Keiper and Eleanor Rose Pakulski Keiper. After the early loss of his father, Jim and his brother Richard were lovingly cared for at Angel Guardian Orphanage in Chicago, a place that remained forever close to Jim's heart.

He was later raised by his devoted aunt, Leona Pakulski Bentzer, until his mother married Robert Koerzendoerfer, a magnificent and loving man who raised Jim and Richard as his own, alongside his four children – Darlene, Leo Robert and Rosemarie.

For nearly 30 years, Jim was the proud owner of Accent Arts in Uptown Minneapolis, where he found great joy in selling and framing artwork for both residential and commercial installations. His work reflected his appreciation for beauty, craftsmanship and connection.

Jim is survived by his beloved daughters, Julie (David Clyburn) Keiper of Waynesville, NC, and Patti Keiper of Hopkins; and his cherished grandchildren, Chelsea (Ryan) Zacher Landolfi of Missoula, MT; Chloe (Jay) Thurman of Albuquerque, NM; and Norman Alexander of Asheville, NC. He is also lovingly remembered by his special nephew Jeff (Jill) Keiper – one of 11 nieces and nephews – and by many dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Eleanor; his newborn daughter, Carol Lee; and his brother, Richard (Karen) Keiper.

Jim had a deep love for lakes, fishing and spending as much time on the water as possible. His happiest places included his summer home on Birch Lake in Hackensack; his mountain home in Waynesville, NC; his former winter home on Lake Griffin in Fruitland Park, FL; former home on Lotus Lake in Chanhassen, and a beloved beachfront condo at Makani A Kai on Maui.

He also treasured travel – first through family road trips with his wife and children, and later journeys with Eleanor to England, Scotland, Australia, Costa Rica and, of course, Maui.

Above all, Jim was a devoted husband and a loving, patient caregiver to Eleanor for decades, faithfully attending to her every need.

His generosity extended far beyond his family. He volunteered as a boat captain for Let's Go Fishing, served as a driver for Faith in Action in Hackensack and was actively involved with nonprofit organizations and Parkinson's disease support groups in Florida.

Jim will be remembered for his kindness, loyalty, quiet strength and unwavering love for his family. His presence will be deeply missed, but his legacy lives on in the many lives he touched.

At this time, no service will be held. A celebration of Jim's life will be announced in the future. His ashes will be lovingly dispersed at Lake Griffin in Florida; Birch Lake and Lotus Lake in Minnesota; on the mountain in North Carolina; and along the beach in Maui, following the path of his beloved Eleanor so they may be together once more.

Jim and Eleanor will also rest together forever at the Columbarium at Lake Junaluska, NC, in the Room of Memory.

Flowers are kindly declined. If you feel moved to honor Jim's memory, a small donation to a beloved charity – such as the Parkinson's Foundation, the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, or Let's Go Fishing – would be a meaningful and appreciated gesture.