James Paul Keith

Now gone, but never to be forgotten, James Paul Keith was called to his heavenly home on December 26, at the age of 69. He was born in Parkersburg on October 26, 1947 to the late Ashford and Irene (Belt) Keith. Jim was a 1965 graduate of Parkersburg High School where he excelled in football and following graduation received numerous offers to play at the college level. He attended Fork Union Military Academy in Fork Union, VA in his post-graduate year where he continued playing football and served as captain of his tennis team. Jim then made a decision to accept a full football scholarship to Colorado State University. With the escalation of the Viet Nam War, Jim felt a strong obligation to enlist in the Marine Corp which he proudly served from 1967-1970. Prior to departing on a tour of duty in Viet Nam, Jim was selected to be a member of the Presidential Color Guard in Washington, DC. After discharge from the military at the rank of Sergeant, he attended Parkersburg Community College and received an Associates Degree in Business Administration. He was a shift supervisor for several years at both Johns Manville Corporation in Vienna, WV and Elkem Metals in Marietta, OH before retiring. In addition to his family, Jim most loved being on his farm, riding his horse, hunting and fishing. He was a member of the Wood County Horse Riding Club and served on the Mountwood Park Board of Directors. He was preceded in death by his parents and his grandparents. Jim is survived by his wife of 49 years, Sherry (Johnson) Keith; daughters, Michelle (Kenny) Hardin and Jami (Dale) Matthew; granddaughters, Jozi (Ryan) Erdman and son Barrett, Kyla (Devin) Balderson and son Brixton, Mikenna Matthew (fiancé Ryan Kemper) and children Harper Grace Fickiesen and Cam James Kemper and grandsons Colten Staats, Jake Matthew and Keith Hardin; brother, Bill Keith of Frisco, TX; and sister, Sharie Keith Baker of Cottage Grove, OR as well as nieces and nephews, and many special friends. Additionally, he is survived by the staff and special brothers in arms at the VA Center in Parkersburg to most of whom he can proudly say “Semper Fi.” Jim's motto was to work hard, play hard and make a difference. These things he did. He will be sadly missed. The funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 31, 2016 at Lambert-Tatman Funeral Home, 2333 Pike St., south Parkersburg with Larry Maxwell officiating. Interment will be at Sunset Memory Gardens. Visitation will be 2-:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home.