Funeral services for James Walter Keener, 65, Kansas City, will be 2 pm, Wednesday, December 8, 2021, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, Burial will follow at Clinton Cemetery.
Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents James T. & Christine E. Keener, and his brother Steven “Red” M. Keener. He leaves to cherish his memories forever; his wife Marilyn I. Keener, son Joshua M. Keener, stepchildren Melissa R. Owen, Jason C. Beason, Andrew V. Beason, his sister Renda Gail Stevinson; 9 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, 2 nieces, 4 great nieces, 3 nephews, and 2 great nephews.
Jimmy was born and raised in KansasCity, Mo. As a young boy he enjoyed summer trips down to Alabama to visit his Mamaw & Papaw Edgil. He fondly recalled soothing sounds of rain coming down on the tin roof of the house where they lived, and the smell of Mamaw’s home-made biscuits. Happy times were shared with aunts, uncles, and cousins, all of whom he stayed connected to until his last able months. He loved them all. Between the ages of 8-10, Jimmy enjoyed Cub Scout activities with his father and brother, where he earned achievement badges for camping and hiking.
After Jimmy finished with highschool, his love of music led him to work as a band & lighting technician for several bands. For over a decade he was able to travel the country with many big named bands such as Shooting Star and the Statler Brothers. In his late twenties, Jimmy returned to Kansas City where he met his wife Marilyn, and resumed his education at Longview Community College to become an auto mechanic. In 1987 Jim became a proud father of his only biological son Joshua Michael Keener.
Highly intelligent and blessed with a quick wit, Jimmy was an encyclopedia of random facts, and well versed on numerous subjects. You would definitely want him on your team for a trivia contest!! Conversations with him always proved interesting and engaging – even hilarious! His hobbies included: cooking, getting and sharing recipes from cooking channels, rooting for KU, Chiefs, Royals, and the St. Louis Cardinals. One of his favorite pastimes was spoiling rotten all of his grandchildren & nieces with pieces of candy and treats he carried in his pockets. He was known to say, “If mom says no, just ask grandpa!”.
Between 2005 and 2014 Jimmy was blessed to be the recipient of 2 organ transplants for which he was deeply grateful. These last years were filled with countless physical and emotional ups and downs for Jim and his family. However, through each unfolding health challenge, he persisted and endured with a positive outcome in mind. He was joined in his journey with the love, support and prayers of his family, as he met each new hurdle with steadfast courage.
His legacy is one of inspiration and hope. When we remember Jimmy, may the strength and Love he has for each of us continue on in our hearts..
