James Keeler
February 04, 1947 - March 14, 2013
Obituary
KEELER, James Edwin of Frankenmuth, formerly of Saginaw, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, March 14, 2013 at his home. He was 66 years old. James E. Keeler was born on February 4, 1947 in Detroit, Michigan to the late Ralph and Helen (Cherry) Keeler. He married the love of his life, Margaret Sargent on September 30, 1967, in Saginaw at St. Helen Catholic Church. He graduated of St. Andrew High School. James was proud to be the owner and operator of Saginaw Asphalt; family owned since 1952. He retired in 2003 after many years of dedicated service. James was a member of the Michigan Asphalt Paving Association, Michigan Road Builders, Tri-County Contractors Association, Saginaw Club, Saginaw Country Club and the Honest John Club. He enjoyed gardening, his orchids and the Orchid Society, walking on the beach, winters in Florida and reading. He especially loved and treasured his children and grandchildren. Surviving are two daughters: Wendy (Tim) Smith, of Saginaw and Jean Pearson of Ann Arbor; two grandchildren: Brandon and Mitchell Smith; special long time friends: Carl Pardon and Anna Rose Stephenson. He was preceded in death by his parents. FUNERAL: A Funeral Service for James will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 19, 2013 at Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State). Rev. Dr. Robert L. Emrich will officiate. Burial will follow in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. VISITATION: Friends are welcome to visit with the family on Monday, March 18, 2013 at the funeral home from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. and on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the Service at 11:00 a.m. MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the Junior Achievement of Northeast Michigan, Inc. or a charity of the donor's choice. Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home or through www.deislerfuneralhome.com.
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Memories
BC
Bob and Louise Cherry
Other •
Our deepest sympathy in the passing of Jim. I am sorry we cannot attend the services as we are in Florida. Please know we are praying and thinking of all of you.
SH
Susan Hasse
Other •
To Jim: I love you & will miss you terribly my cousin. Although we didn't get together as often as I'd like, you are in my thoughts often. I just received my birthday card from you yesterday. You are more like a brother to me & many of my fond memories have you in them. Your generosity, humor, kindness, & confidence will forever positively influence many who know & love you. Sleep well sweetie. To Moogie & family: my deepest sympathy. You are in my prayers & thoughts. I love you. Carl: I am so sorry.
JD
JuliAnne Pardon Diesch
Other •
My heart is breaking with Moogie, Wendy, Jean, Brandon, Mitchell, Rosie & my Papa, Carl. May Jim's memory be eternal. For me, he's eternally calling us "Rug Rats" in the winter, "Yard Apes" in the summer, lounging by the pool, tending flowers (and running an "orchid library" so my Mommers could return one out-of-bloom for a beautifully blooming one), taking walks, indulging at mealtime, calling a Spade a Spade, and toasting in the New Year with style. I have such a vivid memory of a New Year's Eve in my childhood when we were all together and Jim danced with my Mommers to "Me & Julio Down by the Schoolyard". It's forever been a song I like to hear on New Year's Eve. And it's the song that reminds me of Jim.
"Jells"
TK
tom kenny
Other •
To the family of Jim
Compared to most of Jim's lifelong friends i am newcomer. I got to know Jim around the year 2000 and have been a partner in a real estate investment since 2007 i believe. I will always cherish the advice I received from Jim (whether I asked for it or not). I have to admit that when I first met him I was not used to his sense of humor and his comments scarred me sometimes. As i got to know him, i realized that he was more of a teddy bear than a lion and you knew if he liked you if he was teasing you. I was thankful to be teased and nervous when I was not. I know that Jim loved his family as he spoke of them whenever me met. I will miss my meetings with Jim. I am sorry to be out of the country but I do wish my sincerest sympathy to the entire family during this sad time.
Tom Kenny
BS
Bob Scholz
Other •
I would like to express my deepest sympathies to the Keeler family. Although I only knew Jim for a few years, I admired his devotion to his business and family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bob Scholz
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Anonymous
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Multicolor Bright Mixed Flower Fireside Basket was purchased for the family of James E. Keeler.