James Keene

James Robert Keene, 64, of Fort Mill, South Carolina passed away unexpectedly, Friday January 4, 2013.

Jim died at his home due to heart complications.

Jim was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on January 12, 1948. He served in the US Army and is a Vietnam veteran. He lived in Erie, PA where he worked at GE Rail for 39 years, before retiring to Sun City Active Adult Community South Carolina with his wife Marlene (Kline) Keene.

Jim was a member of the Erie Runners' Club, a coach for his sons' sports teams, and a member of the Codgers softball league. He continued to play softball several times a week after he retired and moved to South Carolina. He competed in and finished 10 marathons across the US, including Hawaii. He also enjoyed hiking, bicycling, and swimming. For the last two and a half years Jim and his wife Marlene have been residing in South Carolina enjoying retirement. He loved traveling to the Mediterranean, National Parks, and the Caribbean with his family.

Jim is survived by his wife, Marlene Kline; his son Chad (Kate) of Charlotte, NC; his son Jeffery (Melissa) of Brooklyn, NY; and two grandchildren Paige Charlotte and Matthew James of Charlotte, NC. Also surviving are his mother Joanne Freed, Great Uncle Bill, three sisters, one brother, cousins Dottie and Grace, and many friends.

Jim loved doing things with his family, which he referred to as "making a memory." He will be dearly missed by family, friends, and all those whose hearts he touched.

Friends may call at Burton Wintergreen Funeral Home, 2532 Norcross Road Erie, on Tuesday from 5:00 PM until the time of service there at 6:30 PM with the Reverend Richard Pearson officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Lawrence Park United Methodist Church, 4015 Niagara Place, Erie, PA 16511.