James W. Keefer

It is with great sadness to announce that Jim passed away suddenly on Oct. 11th. He is predeceased by his mother Patricia, father William (Bill) and step-mother Joan.

He leaves behind his loving wife Yoshino, son Jay and his wife Alanna, brother Tom and his wife Elaine, step-father Frank, and Aunt Agnes. Respected uncle to 6 nieces and nephews, and brother to 6 step-siblings. His extended family included his many cousins and all of his brothers and sisters in the United States Marine Corps. It would be impossible to include all of people that he influenced and has made and impression upon. He will be sorely missed by all of them.

Most Japanese friends and family members called Jim, Jimmy-san. Jimmy-san had been in Japan 3 times with Yoshino and every trip was the blast. His mother in-law, Masumi is an active beautician in Japan. She doesn’t speak English but somehow she and Jimmy-san understand each other by using body language and dramatic actions. So funny to watch when they are communicating.

Jimmy-san also loves to get together with sister in-law, Miho and her husband, Yoshi. Yoshi is an extremely busy business man. But he always makes some time for Jimmy-san and Yoshino to take them to the special fun sites with Japanese friends.

Jimmy-san loved and cared his Japanese family members so much and they loved Jimmy-san deeply also.

Jimmy-san will be missed dearly by many Japanese in and out of USA.

Jim graduated Pascack Hills High School and eventually enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in March of 1991. Gunnery Sergeant Jim Keefer served three combat deployments in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. Additionally, Jim served in support of several operations and task forces abroad to include Africa and Central America. During his selfless service to his nation, Jim was personally recognized with over 40 citations and awards to include the Marine Corps Commendation Medal with a Combat "V" device, and the Combat Action Ribbon.

Jim was an active member in in the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post – 6984. He was also a former president and member of his local Elks Lodge.

Jim had an uproarious laugh that would fill any room. He would do anything for everyone and anyone. His selfless nature and vast knowledge of even the smallest things will be cherished by everyone that knew him.

The family will receive friends on Friday, October 19th, 2018 from 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm & 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm at Becker Funeral Home, 219 Kinderkamack Road in Westwood, NJ. Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, October 20th, 2018 at Becker Funeral Home. Interment at Grove Reformed Church Cemetery, North Bergen, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Semper Fi Fund.