Obituary
Obituary of James Graham Keech
James Graham Keech, 90, of Jamesville, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 11, 2018, at St. Joseph's Hospital. Born September 15, 1927, he was the son of the late Louis and Isabel Graham Keech. Jim received his MSW from Syracuse University and worked for over 60 years in social work, mostly with at-risk youth. He retired in 1988 from the Syracuse City School District, but continued his afterschool modified behavior floor hockey program at Porter School, supported by St. Mark the Evangelist Episcopal Church, until June of 2017.
Jim served in both the Army and Navy as World War II was ending, and was married in 1958. He is survived by his loving wife, the former Shirley Hotchkiss; sons, Timothy (Nancy) and Brian; daughters, Diane Jones and Ellen (Bradford) Posthill; and four grandchildren, Elisabeth Posthill, Caroline Jones, Benjamin Posthill, and Laura Keech.
Jim built a home on Jamesville Reservoir, mainly with his own hands. For a few years, he directed Huntington Family Center and their summer camp near West Eaton. He was an avid fisherman, especially at Pike Lake near Ottawa, where he was with the Youth Services Bureau from 1961 to 1970. He also enjoyed sports, such as the Crunch hockey games in later life. Well into his 70s, he was still playing recreational basketball. In his retirement years, he continued as a part time used car dealer. He had a full and well-lived life.
Calling hours will be Thursday, February 15, 2018, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Ballweg & Lunsford Funeral Home, 4612 S. Salina Street, Syracuse, NY 13205. Funeral services will be Friday, February 16, 2018, at 10 a.m. at St. Mark the Evangelist Episcopal Church, 1612 W. Genesee Street, Syracuse, NY 13204. Burial, with military honors, will be in the spring in Jamesville Walnut Grove Cemetery.
The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at St. Joseph's Hospital for the superlative care and compassion. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim's name to St. Mark the Evangelist Episcopal Church Outreach at the above address. Please visit the online memorial at www.ballweg-lunsford.com.
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Visitation
FEB 15. 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Ballweg & Lunsford Funeral Home - Syracuse
4612 S. Salina Street
Syracuse, NY, US, 13205
info@ballweg-lunsford.com
http://www.ballweg-lunsford.com/
Service
FEB 16. 10:00 AM
St. Mark the Evangelist Episcopal Church
1612 West Genesee Street
Syracuse, NY, US, 13204
Interment
Jamesville Walnut Grove Cemetery
6471 East Seneca Turnpike
Jamesville, NY, 13078
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