James Richard McKeown

Born September 20, 1963 in Peoria to John R. and Paulina A. (Parker) McKeown, he married Debra S. McQuern on August 29, 2003 in Pekin. She survives.

Also surviving are one son, Travis McKeown of Peoria; two step-daughters, Tracey (Larry) Hudson of Greenfield, Indiana and Stacey Mountz of Washington; one step-son, Aaron (Lesli) Jett of Peoria Heights; one grandson, August “Gus” McKeown; seven step-grandchildren; one sister, Janelle Dantone of Pekin and two brothers, Mark (Tracy) McKeown of Manito and Michael McKeown of Pekin. Also surviving are several aunts; one uncle and two cousins all in Mt. Sterling, where James enjoyed relaxing and being in the outdoors.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

James had worked at FLSmidth, Inc. in Pekin as a warehouse tech for 15-plus years.

An outdoorsman, James enjoyed hunting, fishing, hunting mushrooms and riding his motorcycle.

He had attended First Baptist Church in Pekin and Pekin First Church of the Nazarene.

James was loved by many and will be deeply missed by all the many lives that he dedicated so much of his time too.

A gathering celebrating James’ life will be Sunday, January 22, 2023 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Pekin Moose Family Center.

Cremation has been accorded by Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be given to American Cancer Society, One East Wacker, Suite 1500, Chicago, Illinois 60601 or Alzheimer’s Association, Central Illinois Chapter, 614 West Glen Avenue, Peoria, Illinois 61614.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com