James B. Keahey Jr., man of many talents
James B. Keahey Jr. of Millsboro passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife and children Thursday, May 28, 2020. Born Jan. 21, 1930, to the late Alice and James B.Keahey Sr.
“Jim” grew up in Folcroft, Pa. He graduated from Ridley Park High School, was drafted and served in the Korean War as a medic. After the war he was employed by Gulf Oil Refinery for 35 years and worked as a tree surgeon for various properties, including Longwood Gardens. Jim enjoyed retirement longer than having worked. Jim married Alberta Josephine Yaglenski Oct. 2, 1954, and moved to Aston, Pa., and began a family; Sandy, James and Karen were all born within three years of marriage. They purchased a turn-of-the-century farm home in Boothwyn, Pa., where the family grew with the birth of Diana and Andrea. Jim farmed the property with a large garden, fruit trees, chickens, ducks and a shetland pony. Their five children, grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins and friends enjoyed this home for years prior to moving to Chaddsford, and eventually Millsboro, where Alberta remains.
Jim was a big Philly sports fan, an avid fisherman, crabber and hunter. Prior to his 90th birthday he shot and gutted his last buck. Upon retirement he took up the hobby of woodworking, crafting gifts for his family, including amoires, cradles, desks along with the cross erected at St. Mark’s. An all-around handyman, Jim’s home improvement skills also included brickwork, electrical, plumbing and refinish work.
Jim loved traveling, driving with wife Bert across country to visit his children and to Alaska and back on numerous occasions which included camping, hiking and touring, with fishing as a highlight. Jim was an active member at St. James Episcopal in Aston for 40 years and at St. Mark’s Episcopal in Millsboro for 20 years. He has served on vestrys, church events, landscaping as well as being a member of the Indian River Yacht Club and an active volunteer at Meals on Wheels. Jim was passionate about scouting. As a teen, Jim was the first in his town to earn the rank of Eagle. He continued to serve over 25 years as a Scoutmaster, taking multiple young man to the prestigious Philmont Camp for backpacking. Numerous scouts under his guidance achieved the rank of Eagle, including his own. Jim truly lived the Scout oath of serving God, Family and Country.
Jim is survived by his beloved Alberta (Bert) of 65 1⁄2 years. He was preceded in death by his parents; loving sister, Millie Keahey (Kaiser) and brother Edwin Keahey. His five surviving children and spouses include Sandy Keahey (Johnson), son-in-law Bob Johnson with grandchildren Julia/Dan, Caroline/Albert and David of Pennsylvania, James B. Keahey, 3rd and Rose Keahey (Zgleszewski) and grandchildren Jamie/Kevin and James B. Keahey 4th (J.B.) of Kentucky, Karen Grozak (Keahey), son-in-law John A. Grozak of California and grandchildren Garrett James/Erin, Brianna, and J.T. of Washington, Diana Keahey (Cagle), son-in-law Robert Cagle with Lynnette/Luke, Alvin, Ambert and Luther of Kentucky, their youngest daughter, Andrea Kane (Keahey), son-in-law Kevin Kane, Liam James (deceased), Alberta (Alli) and Kendal Li of Pennsylvania. Jim is also survived by nine great-grandchildren and by many close nieces, nephews, cousins and friends too numerous to name.
Due to COVID-19 an intimate gathering for 10 was celebrated June 2, with Fr. David Archibald presiding. All five adult children gathered with Alberta at St. Mark’s Labyrinth - a garden dedicated to their late grandson Liam James. Dad and Mom have maintained and supported this prayer garden since it’s inception.
A full Christian funeral service followed by a military honor burial will take place at a future date once all immediate and extended family and friends can gather safely.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Seasons Hospice Foundation, Donation Processing Center, 8537 Solution Center, Chicago, ILL 60677.
Services provided by Watson Funeral Home.
