James Joseph Keeble

James Joseph (Jim) Keeble was born on October 25, 1944, in St. Augustine, Florida, to Joe and Dell Keeble, now deceased. Much of his home life was with his grandparents, Jim and Ruby Keeble of La Grange, Ga. Jim is survived by a sister, Mary Jo Keeble of Manhattan, NY, son Paul Keeble of Blacksburg, VA, daughter Katherine Keeble of, Astoria, NY, and two grandchildren, Christian and Isabella Kolev of Astoria, NY.

Jim graduated from La Grange High School in 1962 and subsequently left home at age 17. He won a scholarship to Auburn and received a degree in Agriculture Science and Journalism. He then worked for U of GA Extension Division doing print and broadcast journalism. He met Vera Ellen Brown in 1967 and the two were married in 1968, later divorced. Jim earned a master’s degree in zoology and entomology at Auburn, joined the U.S. Naval Facilities Command, and subsequently did environmental work at 52 American and international Naval Bases.

In 1978 Jim was forced to retire because of a debilitating auto accident and later became a gentleman farmer raising dahlias, vegetables, fruit, hay and bird dogs. Jim had a special place in his heart and life for dogs and he was well known as a dog breeder and trainer.

Jim came to Western North Carolina in 1994 where he was an active member of several churches and taught Sunday school. He had many friends including a special relationship with Laura Plush of Cashiers, NC, about whom he said: “I call her my best friend. "To those closest to Jim, he had a healing heart and a healing presence in their lives.