Born on March 10, 1928, in the township Bradley, Grady County, Oklahoma. Prior to moving to Sweet Home, Oregon in 2017, he lived in Mountain Home, Arkansas for several years. Keith went to be with the Lord on Thursday, December 15, 2022. Keith was a WWII Veteran, serving in the United States Coast Guard – Merchant Marines 1943 – 1945, and the Army 1945 – 1947, where he was honored with the following medals/merits: Purple Heart Medal, WWII Victory Medal, Honorable Service Lapel Button WWII, Merchant Marine Emblem, Honorable Service Button, Pacific War Zone Bar and Medal, and Presidential Testimonial Letter from Harry S. Truman. He enjoyed spending time with his friend Carol Croxford and many others at the Sweet Home veterans Club and singing karaoke (anyone who knew him knew he could sing!) Keith was a man of honor, respect and enjoyed his independence, and on occasion would talk about Hawaii and how he built a house there out of imported Red Wood, while sipping a Mai Tai! He was a true hero to all and a friend to many. He is survived by his older sister Dorothea James Armbruster of Santa Paula, California; granddaughter Melissa Palmer of Salem, Oregon; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in passing by his daughter Lori Lee james Palmer of Sweet Home, Oregon; stepdaughter Sharon Hopkins Williams of Upper Ojai, California; mother Addie Belle “Ted” Drane of Santa Paula, California; and father Ward Henry James. We are all blessed to spend many memorable years with him here in the world, and one day God will reunite us all in our forever home in Heaven. We love you and we will see you again! Aloha Grandpa Keith.
Celebration of Life services will be held January 20th at 2PM at the Sweet Home Veterans Club, you are encouraged to wear a Hawaiian shirt in his honor!
Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling arrangements. www.sweethomefuneral.com