James King Keefe

James K. Keefe, 84 of Port Orchard, died in Bremerton, Washington on August 20, 2015. James was born in Bayard, Nebraska on August 1, 1931. He was the only son of Barbara Clark and James Patrick Keefe, the brother of three sisters Lillian Bishop of Port Orchard who we lost in January, Jacie Shelton of Nevada, and Patti Bering of Alaska.

Jim lived a very full life and liked to try almost anything new. He was proud of his service as a Marine in the Korean War, he always said “once a Marine, always a Marine”. He was a member of the Plumbers and Pipefitters Union, Local 631, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and American Legion.

Jim was an avid sports fan, whether it was watching or playing. But when he started getting picked last for the family fames, he decided it was time to become the referee.

He was always up for a challenge, be it golf and skiing at the age of 50, or joining the United States Marine Corps at the age of 20. There was a vacation to Branson, Missouri where he was approached by an active duty Marine Coronel. The Marine officer commented on Jim’s USMC ball cap. Jim was known for collecting hats, at one count he had over 200. The coronel stated “You look a little out of shape there Marine!” Jim replied “no excuse sire; I have been a little under the weather”. Jim was always ready with a joke, smart come back or a song. He made friends with people from the waiters at the local restaurant to the office manager at the dentist office. He would break out in song to family, friends and co-workers. Bur, Lord knows he gave him the love of music – but, not the voice to match. He would often change the lyrics of songs to fit the mood or circumstances, and he would put his heart and soul into it. Some Sundays he would put on Rose Maddox or Roy Acuff and start singing along at the top of his lungs while making fruit loop waffles. He was also known for making his “secret” recipes!

“Jimmy”, as his wife Bette called him, had a long marriage of over 50 years, and they will now be together again. Jim and Bette had three children Tom Keefe (Shannon) of Spokane, Washington, Connie Keefe (Bill) of Port Orchard, and Becky Welch (Stan) of Bremerton; grandchildren Krystal Amacher, Christopher Shafter, Nikki Seyfert (Nick, and Collin Keefe; great-grandchildren Kailee Shafer, Alexa Norris, Parker & Lilah Seyfert.

Jim was known for his story telling and his sense of humor, his laugh would be a tell tail sign that “Jim is here”. He left this world with the love of his family from near and far. He will be missed deeply.