Jim Keith died Saturday, May 7, at his home in Shelbyville. He was 90.
He was born June 19, 1931, in Plainwell, the son of Walter and Dorothy (Beckwith) Keith. He served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. For 40 years he worked at Michigan Gas Utilities as a service man until his retirement in the spring of 1994.
Jim loved being outdoors. He enjoyed spending time at the cabin he built with his wife, collecting traps, hunting and fishing. He was a member of Peace Lutheran Church of Otsego, North American Trap Collectors Association and the Otsego American Legion Post 84. On Oct. 9, 1954, at Grace Lutheran Church in Grand Rapids he married Ruth Stankey, who died in 2015.
Surviving are his children, Janet (Rodney) Kivell, Dan (Sherry) Keith, Sam Keith and Sarah (Stephen) Pope; grandchildren, Heidi (Todd) Campbell, Tonya (Brandon) Traxler, Andrew (Nicole) Pope, Joshua Keith, Ashley (Jamie Smith) Kivell-Boardwine, Bailey Kivell and Ian (Jess) Pope; 13 great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Charles (Deann) Stankey along with several nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; his brother and several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.
Friends may visit with Jim’s family from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 10, at the Winkel Funeral Home, Otsego, and from 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 11, at Peace Lutheran Church of Otsego, until the time of the funeral service at 11 a.m. with Pastor Nathaniel Timmermann officiating.
Burial will take place at 2 p.m. at Elmwood Cemetery in Wayland.
Military Honors by Otsego American Legion Post 84.
Contributions in memory of Jim may be made to Peace Lutheran Church of Otsego or Wings of Hope Hospice.
