James P. Keller

James Patrick Keller, age 76, died on Friday evening, August 24, 2018 in Rose Arbor Hospice Residence. He was born on September 12, 1941, in Chicago, IL a son of the late Richard A. and Margaret E. (Hansen) Keller. Jim joined the Air Force at 17 years of age and served for 2 years. During that time, he learned to play the guitar. He played guitar and sang in many bands until he was 50. Jim enjoyed many genres of music, from Elvis to Slipknot. He and Laura attended many concerts together. Jim was not a hunter, but enjoyed going to the shooting range. He was an animal lover. He and Laura rescued cats and always had at least two. A dog, Daisy was also rescued. She lived with them for 15 years until Daisy passed. Jim also enjoyed going to car shows and he practiced ninjutsu. Jim was known for being a kind, gentle, man. He enjoyed going out to eat, which he frequently did with friends. Sometimes he picked up the tabs anonymously for people he didn't know-once for a whole family. Jim worked at Cytec for 37 years; first as a maintenance mechanic, then as a boiler room operator. On May 31, 1979, Jim married Laura Kovach, who survives. Also surviving are two sons, James P. (Loretta) Keller and James Kovach; two granddaughters, Lindsey E. Keller and Leslie Stevens; three great-grandchildren; three siblings, Richard (Tess) Keller, III, William (Kathy) Keller and Maureen (Chuck) Prettyman; and many nieces and nephews. A memorial visitation and viewing will be held from 1 to 4p.m. on Thursday, August 30th at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick Street. Cremation will follow and a private graveside service will be held in Mount Ever-Rest Memorial Park, South at a later date. Memorials may be directed to Kalamazoo County Animal Services and Enforcement. Please visit Jim's webpage for directions, online guest book or to leave a condolence. www.langelands.com