James K. "Jim" Keller

Mr. James K. "Jim" Keller, age 80 of Makanda died at 5:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 29, 2012 at his home in Makanda with his family by his side. He was born and grew up in Balcom, the son of Roy and Evelyn Anderson Keller. He married JoAnn Houghlan, and together they would have celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary this year. Jim is survived by his wife, JoAnn Keller of Makanda; three children, Denise (Don) Pippens of Anna, James A "Jimmy" (Norine) Keller of Anna, and Diana (Jacob) Alley of Anna; five grandchildren, Jake Alley, Natalie (Adam) Shasteen, Josh (Ashley) Alley, James M. "Bub" Keller and his fiancé, Shelby Beran, Lindsey (Brandon) Radcliffe; two great grandchildren, Titus Radcliffe and Addyson Alley; one brother, Larry (Brenda) Keller of Anna; one sister, Pat (Doc) Abernathy of Jonesboro; his loving pet terrier Pee Wee, who never left his side; other relatives including nieces and nephews that adored him. He was preceded in death by his parents. Jim graduated from AJCHS and later served in the US Army during the Korean Conflict. After his military service he worked for the Illinois Central Railroad and later Transcraft Corporation. In 1972 he started in the healthcare business, owning and operating the Walnut Grove and Mulberry Manor facilities. In 2000 along with his son in law Don Pippens built and developed the Stone Creek Golf Course and Development in Makanda. Jim's hobbies included spending time with his children and grandchildren at their many sporting events. He loved sports and was the coach for the American Legion Baseball Team in Anna for many years. He also enjoyed fishing and golfing with his many friends and family. Jim was a member of the Anna United Methodist Church. He was also a life member of the Carroll P. Foster Post #3455 of the V.F.W. in Anna. He was very supportive of the World Vision Organization which supports children throughout the world. Jim had adopted and sent to school over thirty children. Funeral services for Mr. James K. "Jim" Keller will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 1, 2012 at the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Anna with his son Jimmy Keller and Rev. Bill Minor officiating. Interment will be in the Casper Cemetery. Graveside military honors will be conducted by the Carroll P. Foster Post #3455 of the V.F.W. in Anna and the IllinoisNational Guard Funeral Honors Team of Marion. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 31, 2012 at the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Anna. Memorial contributions may be made to the World Vision Organization. Envelopes will be available at the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Anna.