James Patrick Keenan passed away Friday June 12, 2020 at Highland Hospital at the age of 68.
Jim is predeceased by his parents, Richard and Ruth Keenan, and his first wife Virginia Keenan.
Jim is survived by his wife Pamela, his three sons Jimmy (Gianina), Greg (Kate) and Jack (Kaitlin) Keenan and step daughter Aimee (Ken) Sheehan. Survived also by his siblings Beth, Barb and Tim (Debbie) Keenan and many many many Keenan cousins.
Jim was born in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania in 1952. He graduated from Shaler High School in 1970 and went on to earn a Bachelors of Science degree in Health and Education from Slippery Rock University in 1974. His college football experience was highlighted by winning the state championship his senior year. He also insisted he was actually at the Steelers game when the “Immaculate Reception” by Franco Harris occurred. No real proof on that one.
Jim started teaching in Harbor Creek PA and ended his 36 year educational career in Perry NY as Athletic Director and Vice Principal. He coached numerous sports over the years, including track, baseball, soccer, basketball and football. Jim touched literally thousands of lives over the years as a teacher, coach, football official, vice principal and athletic director.
Jim’s sense of humor as a self proclaimed “smart ass” served him well through his years at Perry Schools, and he told stories of 6th period lunch that were so unbelievable that they had to be true. Shunning someone for trying to talk about his wife? Setting up a pretend shooting using a starter’s pistol? Stealing hubcaps from a co-workers car? All true.
Jim was the Livingston County Football Chairman for 25 years, and enjoyed his time as a highly respected football official. He always had a hand (or truck) to lend when needed. He loved spending time with friends and family, especially grandchildren Makenna, Addison, James, Evan, Hannah and Henry.
Jim Keenan was the best possible role model for his sons, and did all he could for them during the tragedy of losing their mother in 2000. The example he set was an amazing tribute to the kind of person we should all aspire to be. With love and integrity he taught his sons about being a husband, father and man. It is hard to imagine what life will be like going forward without him.
The dementia disease that took Jim too soon is a cruel disease. It robbed him of clarity of vision, of speech, of memory. It does not, however, define him, and the memories of Jim in his prime will be the ones we should carry with us. He brought love, joy, and happiness to those around him, and he will be terribly missed by those of us who loved him.An informal gathering of Jim’s family and friends will be held at his home in Fairport at a later date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimers Association.
Comments
38 responses to “Keenan, James P.”
I am so sorry to hear this.y thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time. This man was my hero in high school. I loved football in school more than anything and we spent a lot of time talking about his college career, the Steelers, and our Perry Yellow jackets. He made me captain of the JV team when i was a sophomore that meant the world to me. Also when I was playing Youth Football in Geneseo he was the ref and would be coaching me during the game between plays knowing I would be playing for him in a few years on JV. I felt like I had my own personal on field coach. I learned a lot about the game from him. He also took me one time to UR to watch some Sectional games and that made me feel privileged that he chose me to go with him. God Bless Jim and his family!
What a loving tribute to Jim. He was a great friend to his many Keenan cousins with a sarcastic sense of humor. See you on the other side cuz.
This is a beautiful tribute. May you all find comfort in those happy memories.
So very sorry for your loss now he’s in gods hands if you need anything barb am here miss and love you
Jim was an amazing man, and an amazing educator. He will be truly missed by all that knew him. My sincere condolences to the family.
Mr. Keenan was one of my favorite teachers of all time. With his easy going nature, he never minded us going to his room for lunch to hang out and talk about life. To say he was a great role model is an understatement. I am sorry for his family’s tremendous loss.
What a wonderful tribute to Jim! So many memories of the Keenan holidays growing up. And that sarcastic sense of humor! Keeping all of you in my prayers at this difficult time. I keep thinking of the marvelous reception he received when he entered heaven! “Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; Love leaves a memory no one can steal.” – An Irish Blessing
Jim will be missed. I will treasure the many memories of Jim with his many, many Keenan cousins. I will keep all of you in my prayers.
Words can not express my deepest sympathy to his family and friends. Mr. Keenan was my coach, my friend and my mentor.. He not only guided me as a young athlete but as an adult in my future career path as I too became a physical education teacher and coach because of him. We shared the love of the Pittsburgh Steelers and I to this day share his stories and my memories of him with my three children as well as the children I coach to this day.. THANK YOU Jim for my life long nickname,, your advice, your kindness, your wisdom , your friendship and for simply being YOU.!!
Not a specific incident, but multiple interactions with Mr. Keenan always left me smiling and laughing. Seeing his name and his face brought an instant reminders of how he was to many. So
Sorry for your loss, he was definitely a blessing to many.
Mr. Keenan was a kind, calm and gentle giant. Whether it was handling pressing adolescent questions in Jr. High Health or coaching me to 1st place in our division for the 100m, 200m & 400m at the County Meet in 1982, or stepping up to be our Class Advisor after two teachers quit he was and will always be one of my favorites. Blessings and peace to his family.
I have SO many fond memories of Mr. Keenan he was an awesome person, teacher, and coach. He was one of our Class Advisors (PCS ’82). Being a physical person he was one who could easily earn some respect for misbehaving HS kids, he was adored. I remember someone was acting up and he had them sit on the floor next to his desk and when they tried to get up he bounced them against the file cabinet, we all hooted about that. Asking him “can I go to the bathroom?” came with Jimbo’s response: “I don’t know did anyone ever teach you how?” He was the best. Rest in Peace Mr. Keenan, he will be sorely missed.
I don’t remember anyone having a bad thing to say about the guy.
Jim was a great guy which is reflected in his children.May the sadness of his passing be replaced with fond memories.
Jim was a good man. Remember a couple of in school suspensions he gave that at the time seemed wrong but the talks he gave me while doing so were a learning experience. Telling me that being a perry yellowjacket and playing sports I needed to be a better role model for others it was my Duty as it was his to enforce the rules.
Mr. Keenan was simply incredible. He helped create better people by the way he interacted with everyone. There were a lot of kids from all walks of life that he had to deal with, and he was fair to EVERY one of them, and it was because he was genuine, and he honestly wanted to try to help mold everyone into the best adults that they could be by giving them the best advice and examples that he could during their youth. RIP Big guy!!!
I met Jim the week he moved to Warsaw, attended his 4th of July wedding and continued a friendship the years he lived in Warsaw. A kind , caring husband, father and professional. Will remember his Pittsburgh accent, great attitude and caring ways.
A truly great person and n A-1 professional in every sense of the word! As a fellow A.D., Jim was easy to work with and always
put Perry and the athletes and students there first in his decsion’s. Enjoyed playing faculty basketball as a teammate. Many Wilson
NBA basketballs had one flat side after meeting the concrete gym wall when Jim was disgusted with a play he had made.
Thank you Jimmy, Greg and Jack for 1st class tribute in Jim’s obituary. My sincere condolences to you and your families.
Pam, I am so sorry for your loss. By all accounts Jim was a wonderful guy and you should have had many more years together. I know you must have some wonderful memories to help you through this difficult time. Our sympathies to you.
Like so many others, I can’t imagine my teaching and coaching years without Jim. His energy and enthusiasm was only matched by his sharp and quick wit. We laughed more than we talked. The JV football team in 1980 will always remember when Jim talked me into donning a helmet and going head to head against the entire JV offense. His smile was contagious but his friendship was priceless. We will all miss you buddy. God’s Peace be with his family.
So sorry to hear.He had a nice smile. Con from Shaler. Class of 70. Nice tribute.
Jim, such a wonderful person and able to deal with any situation and make it better! He was the glue at Perry High School and was a saving grace for many a student and colleague. The story of his life tells it well and is a perfect tribute to such a special person! I am so very sorry for your loss! I hope that those special memories help you all through this very difficult time. Sending love and prayers.
Jim and I had a great relationship on a football field.. He mentored me when I started and made me the Official I turned out to be. I still officiate in Florida and have never come across another Official that could shine his shoes>>>>> RIP old friend>>>>>
Fond memories of
mr Keenan coaching track with Mr. Sealy. I real gentleman who cared for all us kids.
Jim was a great official, we often worked together and had a great time on the field. I was truly sorry to hear of his passing. May he rest in peace.
Jim will be missed but not forgotten. My sympathy to the Family. Jim was truly a wonderful co-worker. RIP
Mr. Keenan was to us, like so many others, our favorite teacher and coach. We echo all of the accolades describing him: smart, strong, funny, caring, fair & nurturing to ALL. He was the epitome of what a teacher, coach, husband, father, and man should be. Our deepest condolences to his family and friends. RIP Mr. Keenan.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Jim’s family. The photo of Jim is very fitting. Behind that grin I can see the sense of humor and the smart ass personality that anyone close to him knew he possessed. We have so many great memories of Jim that will be with us always. Any and all stories about Jim that may seem hard to believe are undoubtedly true. Jim was the type of man, father and educator that inspired all who came in contact with him. Jim is also the record holder for the number of golf clubs broken in a single day… RIP buddy.
Pam, I am sorry to hear about Jim. I met him a few times and he was a really pleasant guy. I liked the fact he became a Fairport FH SuperFan supporting you and your teams. Wishing you peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Our thoughts & prayers are with all of the Keenan family at this sad time. May happy memories warm your hearts.
Special thoughts and prayers are with his family. He touched many lives in Perry and the surrounding area. May he rest in peace.
Our thoughts and prayers go to the Keenan family. So many memories that will last a lifetime. We are grateful to have had the chance to know Jim and and our hearts go out to the boys and their families.
As a fellow Football Official having worked many section V games with Jim I was saddened to hear of his passing. He was a true gentleman on and off the field and will be missed.
Fellas, so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. What an incredible man! Always loved the “killer basket” games in the pool with him! Watching him make his own son bleed then dragging him to the side of the pool & telling him “don’t bleed in my pool”. Always loved picking his brain during football & just experiencing his passion for the game & life in general. Thoughts & prayers!
Dear Pam,
I was so saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. Although I had never met him, he certainly was respected by many and loved by even more.
May all the wonderful memories you made together comfort you and bring you peace during this most difficult time.
Thoughts and prayers
Jim was a good friend and colleague . I was a long time foot all coach in Livingston Co and our paths crossed more than once. He was either an umpire or referee and you always knew were going to get and good game from him – he called them as he saw them. Always the professional. Then later as an athletic Director we sat together around the “Big Table” deciding on Livingston Co. athletics. Jim was like the old E.F. Hutton ad. When he spoke, everyone listened. I learned a lot by watching and listening when he spoke. He will be missed.
God bless you all. I remember your dad growing up in Warsaw. Great man and an even better father. Thinking of you guys during this difficult time. My best to Jim, Greg, Jack and family
Early 2000’s was alot of fun for me at PCS, Playing football was one of my favorite activities and Mr Keenan was always around to give advice or to just pick up your spirits during a bad day, he was always around for games and was always our biggest fan. Hadnt seen Mr. Keenan in many years but a life well lived, and i am so glad to have been a small part of it. Rest easy good sir!