James A. ‘Jim’ Keys, of Dowagiac

Published 9:40 am Wednesday, October 24, 2018

Aug. 18, 1956 — Oct. 10, 2018

James A. “Jim” Keys, 62, of Dowagiac, passed away Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018, at Spectrum Health Lakeland in St. Joseph.

A Celebration of Life Service will be at 11 a.m., Friday, Oct. 26, 2018, at Clark Chapel, 405 Center St., Dowagiac with Pastor Larry Lund officiating. Friends may visit with the family on Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the family in care of Arlene Keys to help with funeral costs. Those wishing to share a condolence for the family may do so online at clarkch.com.

Jim was born Aug. 18, 1956 in Flint, to James and Nora (Grayam) Keys. He attended Dowagiac Union High School.

On March 19, 1977, he married the love of his life Arlene Elliott in Dowagiac at First United Methodist Church. Jim worked as the head custodian at Dowagiac schools for more than 34 years before his retirement in 2018. He was an avid Notre Dame fan and enjoyed gardening and dancing. Most of all he loved his family, especially his grandchildren, and will be missed by all who knew him.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Arlene Keys; daughter, Sally (Jason) Keen; grandchildren, Daine Keys, Casey and Kori Keys, Kaylee Wessels, Alexus and Mercedez Keen; mother, Nora Keys; siblings, Nancy (Don) Swartz, Renee (Thomas) Meiser, Linda (Kenny) Ross and Robert Keys; daughter-in-law Angela keys; numerous nieces and nephews; fur babies, JC and Max and special friends, Bruce and Patti Witucki.

Jim was preceded in death by his father James Keys and son James C. Keys.