James Keats
February 16, 1938 to July 19, 2023
Obituary
Passed away surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with cancer, James Keats, in his 86th year.
Predeceased by his parents James and Dorothy Keats; his in-laws Alfred and Violet Streeter; brothers Kenneth and Frederick (Ann); sisters Rosemary (Cyril Foley), Dorothy (Bob Byrne); and brother in-law Art May.
He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 60 years, Renata; sons Jeffrey (Sandra), Christopher (Cheryl), and Mark (Kelly); daughters Tanya (Dawn) and Stephanie (Mike Hayes); nine precious grandchildren Kaitlyn, James, Joshua, Nicholas, Jack, Mark Keats and Michael, Sarah and William Hayes; three brothers Robert (Ruby), Gerald (Marjorie), and Ronald (Yvonne); two sisters Catherine (John Redding) and Diane (Pat); sister in-law Sonia (Art); brother in-law Wendell (Shirley)and his furry friends Archie and Lola.
Jim was an avid sports fan growing up and played many sports, including hockey under Howie Meeker and baseball, his favorite sport, under Dee Murphy. His proudest moment was scoring the winning goal in the 1955 high school soccer championship for MacPherson Academy.
For two years, Jim was a sports reporter at the old Daily News. Jim was a 34 year Veteran of the RCAF. Stationed as far west as Calgary and Edmonton. He also served at Trenton, Kingston, London and Gander with several stints in his hometown of St. John’s.
Jim retired in 1996 with the rank of Warrant Officer.
Jim’s true passion in life was his family. He married the love of his life on August 22, 1963. Jim was the epitome of what it means to be a family man, with five of his children to raise he sometimes worked two jobs, but whenever we looked up he was always there. Always involved, always supportive, always present. His greatest joy in retirement was spending time with his grandchildren. He was the official chauffeur and tour guide on their many adventures.
The family would like to thank Dr. Roarke and his team at the HSC Cancer Clinic, and Dr. Brake and Pam Hunt at Palliative Care. As well as life long friend Minnie Penney, who along with her husband Al, met while stationed at Gander in 1969, and neighbours Doug and Betty Shea, and Doreen Coady, friends since 1987, whose help and care in a difficult time is greatly appreciated.
As per Jim’s request, cremation has taken place with a memorial service to be held at a later date.
Rest in peace Dad. You were a good man!
In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or Autism Society of Newfoundland and Labrador.
“The world is diminished because he is gone. But it is still a better place because he was here.”
– Anonymous
“Say not in grief ‘He is no more’ but in thankfulness that he was.”
– Hebrew Proverb
“He asked for so little, but gave so very much.”
– Anonymous
Mark ,Chris, Tanya, Stephanie and Jeff, I am saddened to hear of your dads passing .I remember him as such a gentle, sweet man. Mrs. Keats, you were so lucky to have had such a wonderful partner and friend for 60 years. May he rest in peace .My thoughts are with you all .
So very sorry to hear of the passing of your wonderful husband. Our sincere condolences to your family.
A wonderful and devoted husband, father, and grandfather who made family his priority. Always seemingly calm, he was a mischievous accomplice in every prank or joke that was played (mailing a turkey dinner to a family member wishing for a taste of home is legendary). Ann and I enjoyed every conversation and get-together with him. We will miss those occasions. Our condolences to Aunt Renata, cousins Jeff, Chris, Mark, Tanya, and Stephanie, and their spouses and children.
Sorry to hear the passing of your husband Renata- may you find solace and peace in the memories you made together
Dear Chris,
I was so sorry to read of your father’s passing.
I still remember how your face would light up whenever you spoke about your father.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Cherish your memories.
Hugs
Betty
Renata and family. So sorry to read of your husband and fathers passing. Sending my sincere condolences. My memory of you & Jim is Kingston early 80’s at a few of your house Christmas parties. Lots of fun ,games and lots of delicious food with Cabbage rolls especially.
Take care…
Elizabeth Eastman
Ottawa
This is a great loss, my condolences to Jim’s Family. I worked with Jim for many years on the overnight shift at the hotel. Had some great chats and he always spoke so proudly of his wife, children and grandchildren.
A wonderful co-worker and friend indeed!
Renata was and still is like a second mother to me. Hence Jim was my second dad. I can still see him now, on call for his wife at all times. “I’ll call Jim, he’ll bring me some cigarettes “, this being said while at work after finishing our dinner from Rumplestiltskin’s on the photocopier. Sure en6, not 10 minutes later in he came with the cigarettes. And he came EVERY time that woman called. I loved that man, we all did. My condolences go out to the whole family who became like a surrogate family to me while thier mother helped to raise another rugrat. I know what he was to you all and I know you will miss him every day. My hearts go out to both his girls especially, they were daddy’s girls for sure. Jim is alive in each and every one of you, only one of you boys would make any dad proud, but to have three?! He was surrounded by a great family as well, a beautiful wife in every way and a huge family who will remember him and everything he was. I still see that tall handsome stoic man, always waiting on his wife. He’s still waiting for you my love. I love you all, but especially you my dear friend. I’m here when you need me. Love Jen. (It’s me Jen by😜”. ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Sorry for your loss Renata. I served with Jim in the mid 1980’s at the Canadian Forces Recruiting Center in St. John’s. Jim was the best of the best when it came to helping personnel at the center. RIP Jim.
Chris, my deepest condolences to you and your family on the passing of your dad. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Mark, Tanya, Stephanie, Jeff, and Chris, we are so sorry to hear of your father’s passing. Sending our prayers and condolences to you and your families. May he Rest In Peace.
Mrs. Keats, Jeff , Chris , Mark ,Tanya and Stephanie sending my condolences and prayers to you all. I had many conversations with your Dad at the grocery store , St. Pats Ball park where the boys played a lot of baseball or just in passing ! Mr .Keats was so proud of you all and was a true gentleman. Your Dad was a beautiful person who raised a beautiful and wonderful family. I know you have many special memories of him and will keep them in your hearts forever . God Bless your Dad and your family .
Renata and family,
So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
A fine man I had the privilege of knowing as my friends’ father first, and later for many years as a co- worker. My sincerest condolences to Mark, Chris, Jeff, Stephanie, Tanya and Renata. Jim is a good friend.
Chris Woodley
I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. Keats. Condolences to his family. I used to baby sit the kids when they lived in Pleasantville. Such a kind and gentle soul.
Renata and family. Our sincere condolences to all of you at this difficult time. Jim was a genuine, kind man and we know he will be missed. Thinking of you all.
Renata, so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and your family.
A wonderful man whose spirit will always take care of his beloved and wonderful family we’ll see you again Jim..thanks for the memories. REST EASY
A wonderful man whose spirit will always be with his wonderful family Rest easy Jim….We’ll see again…
We are all so sorry for this loss. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and a cherished member of our family. Rest easy, Uncle Jim.
So very sorry for your loss ! May your memories get you through your grieving and May God Bless you all ! He was such a genuine , kind and caring person who always spoke with such genuine confidence ! Anytime we spoke with him he was such a pleasant person with very kind words ! Rest in peace !
Dennis , Gail and family !
Jeff, so sad to hear this news of the passing of your Dad. Thoughts and prayers are with you and all of your family. Cherish the memories of this wonderful man. Be strong for each other and take care!
Chris, myself and Kim send you our sincere condolences on the passing of your Father. May he rest in peace.
Jeff,
So saddened to learn of your father’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. May he rest in peace.
With deepest sympathy,
Ches and Mary warren
Our condolences to all of Jim’s family during this difficult time.
Renata,Stephanie and all the family.our condolences go out to you all.As a neighbour on Highland Drive we would see him a lot.A awesome man to his children and grandchildren and a friend.Hugs Hilda and Doug.
Renata and family, so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. He was a true gentleman who loved his family so much. I always enjoyed our conversations while working overnights. Treasure your many wonderful memories and they will comfort you in the days ahead.
So very sorry to hear of Jim s passing. Such a kind gentleman and always spoke of his family with such love. Rest in peace Jim. My condolences to all his family and close friends.
Renata, Mark, Chris, Jeff, Tanya and Stephanie, just wanted to send along my condolences to you all. Your family home was always one of love and laughter and Jim was always very kind and welcoming! I’m sure you feel his loss tremendously, but you have so many wonderful memories to hold on to. I hope that brings you all some peace.
Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers,
Tara (Coady) Bursey
Chris, Mark, Jeff and the Keats family. Thinking of you at this sad time. Sincere condolences to you all. May your precious memories help you through your toughest days.
Tanya and Family so sorry to hear about your Dad’s passing! Keep your memories of him close to your heart and he will always be with you! ♥️🙏
Dear Renata and entire family,
I’m so, so sorry to hear of Mr. Keats passing. He fought such a long and dignified battle with cancer. I have fond memories of our Gander days when you trusted me to babysit your 5 children and me only a few years older than Jeff!! Our 2 families spent a lot of time together over the years in spite of being separated by various military postings. As an adult visiting my parents in St.John’s no trip was complete unless you and Mr. Keats came for tea, treats and a chat. Hugs to you all
Cindy
Jeff and family, our deepest condolences on the passing of your dad !!
Kevin and Anne Dalton
Plenty of memories of Jim Keats or as I always referred to him Gentleman Jim. From the early times in Gander building ice hockey rinks to later in life in St. John’s where he was ever present supporting his family and friends. A genuine, good man! Gentleman Jim left me a lasting quote several weeks ago when he said to me ” As long as everyone is happy things will work out.” Rest easy Gentleman Jim and say hi to my father when you see him.
Chris, Jeff, Mark, Tanya and Stephanie
I’m so sorry to hear about your dad. I remember him from the days Pleasantville as such a friendly and kind gentleman. Condolences from our family.
Fond memories of our family gatherings during my childhood. Uncle Jim was someone who was always admired. His presence in a room was felt for all the right reasons. Condolences to all who loved a great man. HUGS.
Our hearts are broken with the passing of Jim we spent a lot of time with him and his family in the St.John’s military housing and still kept that friendship going – you will be missed by many many others – Jim was a wonderful husband , father and grandfather- my deepest sympathy and love to all the Family- you may be gone in person but you spirit will always remain with all
We wanted you to stay with us till the Leafs won their next Stanley Cup. You will be missed brother.
Renata and family,
Thinking of you all during this very difficult time. I will never forget Mr. Keats and he was a special man who always had a smile for anyone he met.
JEFF,CHRIS AND MARK. Thoughts and prayers are with you on the passing of your dad.
Diane, Bob and Ronnie, thinking of you, while remembering happier times, as you grieve the passing of Jim. May he rest in peace and love. HUGS
Ron, Yvonne and all of the family. We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your brother. Thinking of you at this difficult time.
Gerri and Kim Humber
My dear friend Tanya ; my deepest condolences to you and your family. God is welcoming a Hero into his kingdom . My thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time . your friend Cheryl
So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. My deepest condolences to the whole family ❤️