Jerry Keegan Jr.

On November 8, 2022, Jerry Keegan, Jr., 56, sadly and unexpectedly departed this life. Born on June 19, 1966, in Jonesboro, Louisiana, Jerry Jr. was the first born of his beloved parents--Jerry Keegan, Sr. and Katie M. Keegan.

As a child, Jerry loved the television series “Get Smart”--especially the spy Maxwell Smart, and awaited with pleasure opportunities to play with his Army men figures. Taking anything apart was also a favorite pastime for young Jerry; but unfortunately, efforts to reassemble it were mostly unsuccessful. There were always leftover parts.

As a blossoming family, the Keegans made a series of moves to and from Louisiana, Arizona, and California. Finally, and with Jerry Sr.’s vested employment, the young family made their home in Phoenix, Arizona.

Jerry Jr. attended Jonesboro-Hodge High School in Louisiana. While there, he enthusiastically embraced his passion for music, and more specifically band. That passion for band would soon pay off with Jerry eventually receiving a scholarship to play for the World-famed Grambling Tiger Marching Band at Grambling State University in Louisiana.

With a major in Accounting, nation-wide band showcase events, and his membership in Kappa Kappa Psi Fraternity, Jerry Jr. had a full schedule at Grambling. Nevertheless, Jerry made time to meet his future wife, Tammye. On July 23, 1994, the couple were married. As two dedicated Grambling Tigers who shared a love of sports, family, and music, Jerry and Tammye graduated from Grambling and settled down in the Phoenix area where they soon thereafter worked as educators. Like his father, Jerry Sr., Jerry excelled in mathematics, and over the years, his many students were recipients of his knowledge.

Optimistic and a jokester, Jerry Jr. absolutely adored his family. Some of his most memorable times were the hours he spent competing against them playing Spades. And with his brother Marcus, there was a constant battle for which one would become the “Dominoes King”. Moreover, Jerry enjoyed entertaining, cooking, and grilling his favorite foods, especially ribs. He also loved his Boston teams—the Patriots and Celtics. All who knew Jerry Jr., will miss his sharp wit, sense of humor, his competitive nature, and of course, his teasing.

Jerry Keegan, Jr. is survived by his wife, Tammye Keegan; one son, Jerry Keegan III; a godson, Langston Shaffer; three sisters: Tonya (Williams), Cora (Tucker), and Tracy (Whitmore); and one brother, Marcus Keegan. Jerry Jr. was preceded in death by his parents Jerry Keegan, Sr. and Katie M. Keegan. He also leaves to mourn his death: two uncles, Lee Glass and Anthony Butler; and a host of aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, former students, colleagues, fraternity brothers, and friends.

A burial for Jerry will be held Saturday, November 19, 2022 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Resthaven / Carr-Tenney Mortuary & Memorial Gardens, 4310 East Southern Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85042.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.resthavencarrtenney.com for the Keegan family.