James Joseph Keeley III

Jay was born in Abington, PA to Catherine and James Keeley Jr. on June 14, 1946. He went to Devon Prep High School (PA) and St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia. He married Marge Fox on October 2, 1971 and they were married for 52 years. He worked as a software engineer for Unisys Corporation for 35 years.

Jay was raised as a Jesuit Catholic, a religion that emphasizes serving those in need. He volunteered for many years with the Philadelphia Committee to End Homelessness (PCH). He regularly spent evenings and weekend days bringing food to people living on the streets, forming real relationships with them, and providing information about the resources PCH offered. It was clear that he was intrinsically motivated to love those whom society had deemed unlovable, and he had a natural gift for quickly making people feel safe. He was fully and courageously committed to this work, and always showed up when he was scheduled, regardless of the weather, life circumstances, or other challenges. Hardship never deterred him from doing what was right and what was needed. This was one of the many aspects of his life in which his determination and loyalty were apparent through his actions. Jay inspired his children, whom he brought with him many times, and he organized a program with Springfield High School in which he would bring groups of SHS students into the city to work with PCH.

Jay loved music. Playing piano, singing, listening and sharing the joy of music were such important parts of his life. He sang in the choirs at Christ Lutheran Church in PA and St. Peter Lutheran, and also in the Southport group called the Sea Notes. He played his signature piano 12-bar blues tunes right up until his last days.

Anyone who spent any amount of time with Jay probably laughed. He was a gifted storyteller, jokester, and prankster, often saying “Even if I’m the only one laughing, I’m happy.” It’s a good thing, because sometimes he was the only one laughing. He was sharp-witted, clever and sarcastic, and those who knew him well understood that it was a mistake to assume he was being serious about anything. He had a beautiful and contagious smile and laugh, often bringing welcome levity to those around him.

Jay enjoyed playing and watching many sports. He rooted fervently for the Eagles, Phillies, Sixers and St. Joe’s basketball teams, and loved to talk sports. But golf was his first and favorite sport. Some of his first jobs were as a caddy at the local country club, and he shared many stories from those experiences and how they shaped him. Jay embraced the unending challenge that the game presents, and loved to play with his friends and Marge. He was grateful to retire to North Carolina at a relatively young age and to spend more than 15 years playing as much golf as his heart desired. He was able to attend the Masters Tournament in 2018, which fulfilled a lifelong dream.

Jay was a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, and friend. He brought joy and laughter to everyone he met and lived life to the absolute fullest. His care and compassion for others were natural expressions of his spirit. Many will remember his wry smile and the twinkle in his eye when he was playing or joking. He had a positive impact on nearly every person he met, and some of his last words were “I love everybody.”

He is preceded in death by his brother Peter Keeley, and parents Kay and Jim Keeley.

Jay is survived by his wife, Marge Keeley, and their children Beth and husband Jon, Stephen and wife Erica, and Taylor (Deb) and husband John, sister Sue, brother Kevin, and grandchildren Darcy, Lance, Joel, Olive, Clay, and Keeley.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, February 3rd at Saint Peter Lutheran Church in Southport. Luncheon will follow in the Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Southport Oak Island Interchurch Fellowship Food Pantry or make a check out to St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church and write “Joyful Noise Fund - Keeley” in the memo line.

Jay’s family wishes to extend our sincere gratitude to all who loved him, brought him joy and made him laugh.

Online condolences may be made at www.peacocknewnamwhite.com

Peacock - Newnam & White Funeral and Cremation Service, Southport, North Carolina.