James Michael Keck of Perinton, NY passed away unexpectedly after a brief illness at the age of 77. He was predeceased by his parents John A. Sr. and Kathryn T. Keck. Survived by beloved wife Mary Ann and children Michelle Keck, Eric (Samantha) Keck, and Colleen (Derek) Herring. He is also survived by his three cherished grandchildren, James and Cecelia Keck and Nicole Herring. In addition, he is survived by his loving siblings, John Keck (Wendy), Teresa Roslin (J. David), Rita Hart (Peter), Linda Buben (Charles), and David Keck (Sherri), as well as several nieces and nephews.
James grew up in Easton, PA. He joined the Navy in 1966 and served proudly for four years. Upon completing his service with the Navy, he entered the workforce as an Air Traffic Controller in Rochester, NY and served for 36 years prior to retirement. James enjoyed retirement with his family. He was a devoted husband, father, brother, neighbor, and friend.
Calling Hours Monday August 18, 2025 10-11AM at Church of the Assumption 20 East Avenue, Fairport. Jim’s Funeral Mass will follow at 11:15AM. The mass will also be livestreamed at https://assumptionresurrection.org/livestream. Interment St. Patrick’s Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to your favorite charity.
He will live forever in our hearts.
17 responses to “Keck, James Michael”
We are so very sorry for your loss. Jim and his family are in our thoughts and prayers.
We will miss deeply our friend and neighbor of 44 years. Jim was most kind considerate understanding, helpful person one could ever know. He will not be forgotten for his good works and intentions. Know yhat uou are loved and may he rest forever in peace.
I am so sorry for your family’s loss and you have my deepest condolences. I first met “Mr. Keck” in 1987 when I reported for duty as a FAA Air Traffic Controller at ROC ATCT. We were assigned to the same crew with supervisors Ron Caton and Bill Susa. Jim was an excellent air traffic controller and he did the majority of my training and I always strived to emulate his professionalism into my own “operation”. We worked on the same crew for 20+ years until his retirement. Through the years, he would talk about his family proudly and what was happening in their lives. When I retired (2013) he came to my retirement party and I would periodically call him and would invite him out for lunch to keep in touch. Always enjoyed his company! He was a real role model to me and a Good Man! My thoughts and prayers go out to your family. Rest in Peace in the loving arms of Jesus “Mr.Keck” it was an honor to know and work along side you. I will miss you, my friend. 😢
We are so sorry for your loss. Jim was always so friendly to us and our 4 year old son loved Jim. Every time he was outside he would make a point to talk to him. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Dan
Danyelle
Carter Hayes
I first met Jim in Oct, 1982 when I arrived at the Rochester Air Traffic Control Tower. Jim was one of the few experienced controllers tasked with the job of training a new guy how to control air traffic. It is not an easy task, but Jim was calm, cool, and collected throughout all the mistakes I made. I really appreciated all that Jim did for me throughout my career. I worked with him for about 20 years and our friendship grew stronger with each passing year. My prayers go out for Jim’s wonderful family who he talked about frequently.
I started my FAA air traffic career in September of 1988, Jim was one of the senior controllers and his professionalism was immediately evident. He was a “controller’s controller” and was the best controller I’ve ever worked with. He was very proud to be a controller and he made me proud to be one too. Jim was a mentor and more importantly a friend and I will miss him. To Jim’s family, I am very sorry for your loss, please except my deepest condolences.
Rest in peace my friend.
To the family of Jim Keck – I am Judy Frame, widow of Bill Frame, deceased, former ATCS Supervisor, who retired ill in 1983 and who had served two months shy of 30 years, USN and Rochester since 1960. Among the many ATC friends Jim’s two Supervisors were Bill’s closest friendships and remained so throughout their lives so Jim would have known all about those friendships. I have spoken with Charlie Blanchard today and wish you all my deepest sympathies in your loss of Jim. Air Traffic Control Specialists surely are among God’s greatest. Special blessings to you all.
To all of our Keck friends and family my brothers Paul, Mark and I send our deepest sympathy. May your treasured memories of and with Jim bring you comfort and peace.
We extend prayer and positive thought to the family and friends of Jim Keck. The depth of caring Jim demonstrated each day as an Air Traffic Controller clearly carried throughout his life on all fronts. Like many others, I also benefitted from having Jim as an FAA colleague and a friend. His commitment to Aviation Safety carries on through those he influenced along the way. May God bless those closest to him. Jim, cleared to depart the fix outbound.
Samantha and Erik and family,
We are so very sorry for the loss of your father and grandfather. Sending prayers and condolences to all of you.
Love,
Joyce and Anthony
I was at ROC when Jim came there. He made me laugh with his dry humor. He was a very good friend. We worked together on my last day of work. I am saddened by by his passing. My condolences to Jim’s wife and family and to all his friends. He is in God’s hands. Rest in peace old friend.
Jim was a great coworker and very professional.The thing I remember was his good natured devious side. Puts a smile on my face just thinking of Jim. Sending our prayers and condolences for your family.
Please accept my sincere condolences. I knew and worked with JK from 1990 until his retirement. Missed him then and now. He was always ready and dependable, like the clock. I am certain that he is now in a better place.
I was a controller at Rochester Tower when Jim arrived. He was a great guy to be around. When he put his headset on he was all business. When he took his headset off at ‘break time”, he would banter with others that were on break. His dry wit was known by his crew members and our maint. crew that kept the equipment running. One of those Navaids people was Art Davia. Art wanted me to express his condolences to Jim’s family. Art can’t come to the funeral due to health issues. I too, want to express my sympathies to his family. He was a great guy to work with & to fish with on Charlie Blanchard’s boat. He is now with his loved ones in heaven. Rest in Peace, Mr. Keck!!
With heartfelt condolences to the entire Keck family. Mr. Keck was a true pillar of our neighborhood and an extraordinary man. Growing up next door to the Kecks was an absolute gift. I will always cherish his generous and welcoming spirit, whether it was allowing us kids to enjoy his pool all summer or treating us to endless clams. He always went above and beyond to lend a hand. His intelligence and sense of humor made every conversation a joy. He will be deeply missed.
We are very sad to hear about Jim’s passing. A really good person and neighbor. Our thoughts are with Maryann and the family. We’ve know you all for many years and will miss seeing him out in his yard.
So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Love to all❤️