Obituary for Rev. James "Jim" Keen
We shall now celebrate the life of Reverend James “Jim” Yuell Keen.
Jim Keen, age 79, of South Central Mississippi, beloved father, brother, uncle, cousin, friend, minister, teacher, mentor and veteran, entered his eternal home in Heaven on October 10, 2022 in Hattiesburg, Mississippi due to complications from a tragic vehicular accident that took place fifteen weeks prior.
Born on February 8, 1943 in South Carolina, Jim was the eldest of three sons to Yuell Keen and Alma Virginia ”Ginny” (Sharp) Keen. He was raised with a strong Christian faith upbringing in Atlanta, Georgia and graduated from Southwest DeKalb High School — Class of 1961. Known to be academically inclined, it came with no surprise that he acquired the “Most Intellectual” superlative in his senior yearbook.
Jim then followed in his father’s footsteps by attending Georgia Institute of Technology (“Georgia Tech”) after high school. Upon obtaining his bachelor’s degree with ease, he joined the U.S. Army and, yet again, like his dad, quickly climbed the ranks to captain while serving his country with dedicated steadfastness.
After completing his military service, he returned to Georgia Tech for post-graduate pursuits and, in 1970, earned a double master’s degree with high honors in both Master of Science in Information Science (M.I.S.) and Master of Science in Mathematics (MSc Maths).
By implementing his accumulation of education, skills, discipline and faith, Jim assisted the Aerospace Industry (NASA) and U.S. military (Air Force) with various software development projects. Even after retiring from Intergraph, he went on to work for other well-recognized entities.
Jim’s enriched personal life was devoted to family, friends, community service, and above all else, God. He was truly blessed to have married the love of his life, who he adored and cherished. Together, they raised a faith-based family in a happy home, which often contained a myriad of interesting and unique types of pets.
One of his most fulfilling achievements was becoming an ordained minister through Assemblies of God and devoting many years to prison ministry, missionary work abroad, and men’s ministry, such as leading The Men’s Community Bible Study group at Asbury Church in Madison, Alabama. He also ran in-home church groups for a period of time and found profound purpose in helping others get to know Christ, especially through Global Media Outreach.
An avid computer user, Jim enjoyed networking with close friends via emails, researching Christian news sites and playing his select video games. Additionally, he savored a good cup of coffee and relished the great outdoors. He delightedly welcomed each new day with the same big smile and could often be found working on home projects to stay active — while encouraging those around him to do the same.
He is preceded in death by his doting parents, Yuell and Ginny Keen; brother, Jack Keen; and former wife, Barbara Keen.
Surviving family members include his loving daughter, Carol (Ray) of Mississippi; scholarly son, Kevin of Alabama; brother, Ken (Laurel) of Georgia; niece, Candice (Nick) of Georgia; nephews, Chris of Georgia and Kelly (Emmy) of United Kingdom; countless cousins; sister-in-law, Sandy (late brother, Jack) of Georgia; and brother in Spirit, Troy (Kathy) of Alabama.
As per his specific request, a Celebration of Life will replace a formal funeral. This event will be held in loving remembrance at one of his favorite restaurants and scheduled at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations are being warmly received by his daughter and deeply appreciated. These funds will help alleviate some of the burden of the accruing medical expenses caused by this recent tragedy. Jim’s family also invites you to consider making a contribution in his name to Global Media Outreach or the Christopher and Dana Reeve’s Foundation (as appreciation for providing illuminating wisdom on spinal injuries during these past few months).
For additional information, or to reach out, please email james.y.keen@gmail.com and one of his family members will be happy to respond.
We already miss you so much, Jim! The world is a little dimmer now that you carried your light to Heaven. We love and miss you every single day.
“So for now you are in grief; but I will see you again, and then your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take away from you your great joy.”
John 16:22, Amplified Bible (AMP)
Jim Keen, age 79, of South Central Mississippi, beloved father, brother, uncle, cousin, friend, minister, teacher, mentor and veteran, entered his eternal home in Heaven on October 10, 2022 in Hattiesburg, Mississippi due to complications from a tragic vehicular accident that took place fifteen weeks prior.
Born on February 8, 1943 in South Carolina, Jim was the eldest of three sons to Yuell Keen and Alma Virginia ”Ginny” (Sharp) Keen. He was raised with a strong Christian faith upbringing in Atlanta, Georgia and graduated from Southwest DeKalb High School — Class of 1961. Known to be academically inclined, it came with no surprise that he acquired the “Most Intellectual” superlative in his senior yearbook.
Jim then followed in his father’s footsteps by attending Georgia Institute of Technology (“Georgia Tech”) after high school. Upon obtaining his bachelor’s degree with ease, he joined the U.S. Army and, yet again, like his dad, quickly climbed the ranks to captain while serving his country with dedicated steadfastness.
After completing his military service, he returned to Georgia Tech for post-graduate pursuits and, in 1970, earned a double master’s degree with high honors in both Master of Science in Information Science (M.I.S.) and Master of Science in Mathematics (MSc Maths).
By implementing his accumulation of education, skills, discipline and faith, Jim assisted the Aerospace Industry (NASA) and U.S. military (Air Force) with various software development projects. Even after retiring from Intergraph, he went on to work for other well-recognized entities.
Jim’s enriched personal life was devoted to family, friends, community service, and above all else, God. He was truly blessed to have married the love of his life, who he adored and cherished. Together, they raised a faith-based family in a happy home, which often contained a myriad of interesting and unique types of pets.
One of his most fulfilling achievements was becoming an ordained minister through Assemblies of God and devoting many years to prison ministry, missionary work abroad, and men’s ministry, such as leading The Men’s Community Bible Study group at Asbury Church in Madison, Alabama. He also ran in-home church groups for a period of time and found profound purpose in helping others get to know Christ, especially through Global Media Outreach.
An avid computer user, Jim enjoyed networking with close friends via emails, researching Christian news sites and playing his select video games. Additionally, he savored a good cup of coffee and relished the great outdoors. He delightedly welcomed each new day with the same big smile and could often be found working on home projects to stay active — while encouraging those around him to do the same.
He is preceded in death by his doting parents, Yuell and Ginny Keen; brother, Jack Keen; and former wife, Barbara Keen.
Surviving family members include his loving daughter, Carol (Ray) of Mississippi; scholarly son, Kevin of Alabama; brother, Ken (Laurel) of Georgia; niece, Candice (Nick) of Georgia; nephews, Chris of Georgia and Kelly (Emmy) of United Kingdom; countless cousins; sister-in-law, Sandy (late brother, Jack) of Georgia; and brother in Spirit, Troy (Kathy) of Alabama.
As per his specific request, a Celebration of Life will replace a formal funeral. This event will be held in loving remembrance at one of his favorite restaurants and scheduled at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations are being warmly received by his daughter and deeply appreciated. These funds will help alleviate some of the burden of the accruing medical expenses caused by this recent tragedy. Jim’s family also invites you to consider making a contribution in his name to Global Media Outreach or the Christopher and Dana Reeve’s Foundation (as appreciation for providing illuminating wisdom on spinal injuries during these past few months).
For additional information, or to reach out, please email james.y.keen@gmail.com and one of his family members will be happy to respond.
We already miss you so much, Jim! The world is a little dimmer now that you carried your light to Heaven. We love and miss you every single day.
“So for now you are in grief; but I will see you again, and then your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take away from you your great joy.”
John 16:22, Amplified Bible (AMP)