In loving memory of Jim Keeley, who died in his 90th year, after a battle with illnesses including melanoma. Surrounded by his family, he passed away peacefully in his bed on Palm Sunday morning. Sadly, missed by his beloved wife Edie, his children Brendan (Carey) and Noreen (Steve), his grandchildren Shannon, Matthew, Nathan, Katrina, Ashleigh, Marcus, and great grandchild Miles. Predeceased by his sisters Peggy (Park), and Tinty (Ross) and fondly remembered by his sister Florence in New Brunswick. His nephews Peter Smith, James Parker, and niece Janet Pilgrim, will keep their memories close.
Jim’s in-laws in Ireland, England and the United States and his many friends in Sudbury and across the miles, will never forget the fun times they had together. Born in Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia to the late Peter and Evelyn (nee Harris), In his youth, he enjoyed playing hockey and baseball. At a young age, he worked on the ships that travelled between Nova Scotia and America and shared many stories with us of the adventures he had at sea where he worked to support his family at home.
In 1954 he drove up to Sudbury to find work at Inco. As a bachelor he enjoyed playing hockey and curling on one of the many teams. He would travel hours to watch a live game of the Yankees or Milwaukee as they were the closest teams to Sudbury. Once the Blue Jays started in 1978, he became one of their biggest fans. Jim was also a big outdoorsman who loved to hunt, fish, garden and enjoy nature. He could name all the birds and identify every kind of tree. Chopping wood was one of his favourite past-times and he spent many an hour even later in life, sitting by the fire.
Throughout his career, he was a respected union steward with the Steelworkers, Local 6500, who defended many of his fellow workers and helped to make sure the mine site was a safe place for everyone. Little did he know that he would also find the love of his life in Sudbury, and him and Edie were married 56 years. Together they enjoyed the comradery with their friends from Inco and from the Irish Heritage Club going to dances and singing with the Irish at many a nursing home. They travelled all over Canada from one coast to the other in their little tent trailer and spent many a summer on the farm in Ireland. Jim will be lovingly remembered as a thrifty Mr. Fix-It and a kind gentleman with a big heart. He would fix anything for anyone without hesitation and never ask for anything in return.
His memorial funeral mass will be held on Tuesday April 19th, 2022, at 11:00 am at St. Patrick’s Church, 39 Walford Rd., Sudbury. (Friends may gather at the church after 10:45am Tuesday). Mask wearing in the church is mandatory. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Inner City Home of Sudbury are appreciated. Cremation with interment in the Civic Cemetery. For donations or messages of condolence, www.lougheedfuneralhomes.com
Arrangements entrusted to the Lougheed Funeral Home.