James Keefer, age 66, of Fayette, Ohio passed away on Thursday July 10, 2025, surrounded by his loving family at the University of Toledo medical center.
Born February 4,1959 in Hudson Michigan. Jim was the baby of the family of eleven children of Denver and Bessie (Smith) Keefer.
He attended Fayette school and lived from the age of five on his family’s farm until the day he passed. His early life he raised pigs before transitioning to a cattle and hay farming. He worked at Sauder Woodworking from 1989 to 2024 as a truck loader. He was a very strong willed, hard working man who enjoyed the simple things like coffee with cream and sugar.
He married the love of his life Gwendolyn (Johnson) Keefer on July 26,1986 at the Fayette of the Nazarene church. When their only daughter was born Jim made the heartfelt decision to stay on second shift so that he may spend days with his daughter until she started school. She was his pride and joy! Although they sometimes “pulled ears” he never took it personally because he knew she was just like him.
Jim had a deep love of animals, especially dogs. He frequently donated to the Fulton County Humane Society to make sure the animals were taken care of. Though there wasn’t an animal Jim didn’t like. Weather it was dragging a hose to a mud puddle to save the tad poles his daughter found or building multiple rabbits cages. Or any others stray his daughter brought home.
He found joy in simply watching calf’s playing in the pasture or helping a turtle cross the road.
He was always willing to help anyone who asked or in need if they were a stranger with a flat or grabbing his chain saw to help cut up a downed tree.
A strong man of faith Jim was baptized at the Morenci First Baptist Church of Morenci. While he was quite in his faith believing in a conservation between his Heavenly Father. He knew one day he would join his parents in heaven.
To cherish his memory and carry on his legacy, Jim leaves behind his loving wife Gwen, daughter Meribeth (Edward Bollinger) Keefer, Ian Bollinger. His son of the heart Brad (Rachelle) Lantz, grandkids Tristan, Grant, Abby, and Deklan Lantz. His parents in law Robert and Marcia Kinsey; two brothers, Carl (Jan) and Alvin (Diane) Keefer; four sisters: Marlene Eckle, Betty Shaffer, Lois (Walt) Hassenzahl, and Elaine (Larry) Deck; and his parents-in-law, Robert and Marcia Kinsey.
His ever protective companion Zander who would and did bite anyone who tried to touch or hug Jim. The rest of the pack Zena, Hercules, and Hope.
In addition to his parents, Jim was proceeded in death by two brothers: Denver and John Keefer. Two sisters; Arlene Parker and Lorraine Patterson.
A celebration of life for Jim will take place on Saturday, July 19, 2025, from 12:00 to 4:00 pm at the family farm. Cremains will later be inurned at Oak Grove Cemetery, Morenci.
Friends can express sympathies to the family online by visiting the tribute wall at www.marryfh.com. Memorial contributions in honor of Jim may be made to the Fulton County Humane Society. Arrangements have been made with the guidance of the Marry Funeral Home, Morenci.