James P. Keenen Sr., 68

James P. Keenen Sr., 68, of Lancaster, passed away with his loving family beside him on Wednesday, March 21, 2007 at Lancaster General Hospital.

Born in Lancaster, he was the son of the late Samuel Keenen and Elsie M. (Chambers) Keenen. He was married to Rita Marie (Fetterman) Keenen for 44 years.

Jim was a machinist for 8 years at K&L Machinery, Leola, retiring in 2000. Previously he worked for Certified Diaper Service and was assistant manager of Carvel Ice Cream. He attended McCaskey High School.

He was a sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corp in active duty from 1956-1960 and in the Reserves from 1960-1968 during the Vietnam War. He was an active member of the Marine Corp League. He was very proud when his grandson, Anthony, enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Jim was a 4th degree Knight of Columbus and a member of the Santa Maria Assembly. He was past Grand Knight of Council #867, Lancaster, PA, and a member and Past Grand Night of St. John Neumann Council #12532. He was a Past Faithful Navigator, Past District Warden, Captain of the 1st and 3rd Degree Teams, and a member of the 4th Degree Honor Guard. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus bowling team, Council #867, and at the annual Exemplification of the 4th Degree, Jim was in charge of the Hospitality Room for the Santa Maria Assembly.

Jim was a member of the Lancaster Archery Club. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. Jim was on the Golf Committee for the annual golf outing for Council #12532, and was in the process of picking up the game of golf. He enjoyed food and volunteering to cook for his various clubs and organizations he belonged to. Jim enjoyed music and was a DJ. He enjoyed cowboy movies and especially John Wayne. Jim was the type of person that everybody loved. He had an outgoing, friendly personality, and everyone enjoyed being with him.

Surviving in addition to his wife, Rita, are three children: James P. Keenen Jr., husband of Kimberly I. of East Petersburg; Dawn M. Plaisted, wife of Andrew S. of Lancaster; and Christine L. Keenen of Leesburg, FL; 6 grandchildren: Colin, Shane, Anthony, Caitlyn, Brandlyn and Samantha; and 2 great grandchildren: Riley & Nya. Jim loved his grand “DOGS”.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday morning at 11:00 a.m. from St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 601 E. Delp Road, Lancaster, PA. A viewing will be held on Monday evening from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. with the Rosary being recited at 8:30 p.m. at the Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home and Chapel, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA. A second viewing will be held at the Funeral Home on Tuesday morning from 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Interment in St. Joseph New Catholic Cemetery, Bausman, PA.

Please omit flowers. Contributions in Jim’s memory can be sent to William Ramey Fund for Seminarians, c/o William Valenzo, 448 Biscayne Rd., Lancaster, PA 17601; or American Red Cross, 430 W. Orange St., P.O. Box 4624, Lancaster, PA 17604-4624; or Marine Corp League, c/o Commandant Milanowicz, 711 E. Millport Road, Lititz, PA 17543.