James E. O'Keefe

James E. O'Keefe passed away peacefully on Friday, June 29, 2018 at Holy Redeemer Hospital surrounded by his loving family. He was 102.Jim was born in Brooklyn, NY on March 13, 1916 to Charles O'Keefe and Elizabeth Dwyer. His childhood friend was comedian and actor, Jackie Gleason. He supported his family during the Great Depression in the 1930s. During World War II, he proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy with the SeaBees in the Pacific Theater. Following his military service, Jim worked for the Department of Navy in Washington, DC and attended George Washington University. As a mechanical draftsman, he worked at Frankford Arsenal and the Naval Air Development Center, serving the government for a total of 36 years. In Washington, he joined the Knights of Columbus and, ultimately, became a fourth degree member. Jim moved to Bucks County and became an original Levittown homeowner where he lived for 59 years. Following his retirement in 1977, Jim volunteered at St. Mary's Hospital for 18 years where he became a constant in the hospital community. As a member of the Order of Alhambra, he helped raise money for children with disabilities. He also belonged to the Blue Army of Fatima group. Since its inception, he faithfully served the Immaculate Conception parish community. He was also active at St. Frances Cabrini and Queen of the Universe parishes. At Queen of the Universe, he read to the Second Grade classroom. He became known among the students and faculty affectionately as "Mr. Skippy." Jim loved life from start to finish, and he brought joy to those he met. He thoroughly enjoyed telling jokes, singing, and entertaining. He staged shows for disabled veterans, including headlining a show for them at Terchon Veterans of Foreign Wars Post in Levittown, where he was a commander. Jim possessed an uncanny ability to remember birthdays. In 1979, the Bucks County Courier Times wrote an article describing his unique talent, calling him "the birthday man of Bucks." He was predeceased by his beloved son-in-law, Timothy Dillon. Jim is survived by his daughter, Diane Dillon; son, Jim Jr.; grandchildren, Timothy, Brian, Michael, James, and Michelle; great-grandchildren, Christopher, Dalton, and Shilow. He will also be missed by several step grandchildren and great grandchildren. Relatives and friends are invited to attend Jim's viewing at St. Frances Cabrini Church, 325 S. Oxford Valley Road, Fairless Hills on Thursday, July 5, from 8:00 until 9:30 AM. Mass of Christian burial will follow at 9:30 am followed by the Rite of Committal in Resurrection Cemetery.Jim's family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to the caring and compassionate staff at Holy Redeemer (D'Youville Manor and St. Joseph Manor) and Holy Redeemer Hospice. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Holy Redeemer Hospital Inpatient Hospice.