James M. Keelor

He was 82 years old. Married for 63 years, he is survived by his wife, Darlene (Hodge) Keelor. Together, they raised three daughters: Stacy Keelor, who is married to Danny Markus and mother to Sydney and Shane Reichert; Kim Keelor, mother to Justin and Jesse Shafer; and Shelley Keelor, mother to Sean Ryan Keelor. Jim is also survived by his brothers Tom Porter (wife Jane Ann), and Tim Keelor (wife Becky). He was preceded in death by his sister Nancy (Keelor) Kelly, and his brother, Steve Porter (wife Shiela).

Born in Richmond, Indiana, and known for developing an industrious work ethic as a young child due to his humble circumstances and mother’s death, Jim Keelor built a distinguished career in broadcasting. He graduated with a degree in Journalism from Indiana University and served as an officer in the U.S. Army Signal Corps in Vietnam before launching his broadcasting career as a reporter in 1966. His dedication to local journalism grew as he honed his skills as a producer, news manager, NBC bureau manager and future executive.

In the mid-1970s, Jim began managing station operations for Liberty Corporation (formerly Cosmos Broadcasting), serving as General Manager at WAVE-TV in Louisville, KY, and WDSU-TV in New Orleans, as well as VP of Corporate Operations. Under his leadership, stations won prestigious awards including Emmys and a Peabody Award.

As President and COO, Jim oversaw Liberty's expansion to include 15 network-affiliated television stations, a cable advertising sales company, a video production facility, and an equipment distribution company. His contributions to the industry were significant, holding top leadership positions with the National Association of Broadcasters, the Association for Maximum Service Television, the Television Bureau of Advertising, and the Television Operator's Caucus. He was inducted into the South Carolina Broadcasting Hall of Fame. Additionally, Jim was the recipient of the first Chuck Sherman Leadership in Television Award from the National Association of Broadcasting for being a pioneer in community broadcasting and the Radio-Television News Directors Foundation First Amendment Leadership Award.

Examples of community service by Jim (and Darlene) include long-time support for United Way of Pickens County, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charleston, and Indiana University, among other organizations. Jim founded the Camp iRock reading program in Pickens County. He mentored young journalists and future executives in South Carolina.

Jim Keelor will be remembered for being cherished by many he touched, for his unwavering commitment to his family and the Catholic Church, his passion for local journalism, his dedication to his community, his magnetic sense of humor, and for being known as “Mr. Indiana-responsible.”

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on March 28, 2025, at McKinney Chapel in Sunset, South Carolina. A memorial Mass and reception to be held in Jim’s hometown of Richmond, Indiana, will be announced later.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to the Prisma Health Cottingham Hospice House in Seneca, South Carolina, or United Way of Pickens County.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.dillardfunerals.com. Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.