James Wilbur Keesee, 68, Elder at Midway Baptist Church, loved going to Jamie's Flea Market
James Wilbur Keesee, age 68, and a resident of Elyria, passed away Sunday, March 9, 2003 at Life Care Center of Medina following a lengthy illness. He was born October 9, 1934 in Cidney, Kentucky where he was raised and lived before moving to Ohio. He has been a resident of Elyria for 39 years.James graduated from Case Western Reserve with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Management. He was employed by the Brookpark Plant of Ford Motor Corporation for 26 years, retiring in 1980 as a foundry specialist. James was an active member of the Midway Baptist Church, Elyria where he served as an elder for ten years and loved going to Jamie's Flea Market and spending time with family and friends.
Survivors include his daughter Deborah Miller of Hollywood, Florida, his stepsons: Jeff Oliver of Elyria, Ron Oliver of Berlin Heights, David Oliver of Cleveland, Paul Waller of Sheffield Lake, and Phil Waller of Elyria, his stepdaughter Deborah Williams of Elyria, 16 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, his brothers: William E. Keesee, Rev. Charles A. Keesee, and Larry J. Keesee, all of Elyria, sisters: Maxine Saferight and Elizabeth Miller, both of Dayton, Ohio, and Marcie Thurman of Dayton, Tennessee.
He was preceded in death by his first wife Beverly Kasten (nee Flynn) on April 28, 1989, by his second wife of 29 years, LaVarah "Lee" Christine Keesee (nee Lindsey) on May 11, 2000, by his parents Earl Allen and Aileen (nee Blackburn) Keesee, by his infant brother John Keesee, and by his sisters: Ernestine Stacey, Bernice Justice, and Lucille Coleman.
Friends may call Wednesday, March 12, 2003 from 2-9 pm at Midway Baptist Church, 41812 Griswold Rd., Elyria with a memorial service to be held at 7:30 pm. Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 13, 2003 at 10:00 am with the Rev. Charles A. Keesee, pastor and brother of James, officiating. Burial will be in Resthaven Memory Garden, Avon.
The family suggest memorial contributions be made to the Midway Baptist Church, 41812 Griswold Rd., Elyria, Ohio 44035.
Hempel Funeral Home, Amherst has been entrusted with the final arrangements.