James R. Keenan

Date of Death: 
Sunday, October 11, 2020

Beloved husband of 62 years to Elaine nee Swiatkowski. Loving Father of Daniel (Deborah), Anne, Gregory (Laura), Stephen (Diane), Thomas (Nicole), and the late Kenneth (Tina). Cherished Papa of Timothy, Peter "PJ" (Michelle), Megan, Sara, Laura, Hailey, Joseph, Michael, James; and great-grandfather of his little ones: Samantha, Helen, and Riley Jo. Dear brother of Joanne (the late Robert) McDevitt. Fond brother-in-law of Dorothy Swiatkowski. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to St. Jude Children’s Hospital at stjude.org.

Visitation: 
Thursday, October 22, 2020 - 3:00pm to 8:00pm
The Original Rago Brothers Funeral Homes (Irving Park Rd.)
Funeral Service: 
St. Monica
Friday, October 23, 2020 - 10:00am
Family and friends to meet at funeral home at 9:00 AM for procession to church.
Interment: 
All Saints Mausoleum

Guestbook

Anonymous replied on

Regeta Slaughter
My condolences to the family of James Keenan. My memories are grounded in my years teaching math at Lane Tech HS. Jim Keenan, welcomed me, a 21 year old black woman, to Lane Tech in 1970, when he was math department chair. I still remember how he welcomed me and calmed a nervous fresh teacher newly out of college into the world of teaching. His smile was so welcoming. Later when he started teaching more computer science classes, I was asked to join him and Dave Schlicting in a class at IIT, to attend our first introduction to the TR-80 radio shack computer. The experience was great learning together. When I became department chair, he was always so supportive and open to new ideas that were being presented. May his memory live in your hearts forever.

Anonymous replied on

Piantkowski Family
So sad to hear the news of "Mr. Keenan's" passing. Our family offers our deepest sympathy to the entire family. May God now welcome him into His kingdom.

Anonymous replied on

Ellen Szalinski
Oh how we all just loved Mr. Keenan my family and I! He and Mr Lombardo were my dad's dearest Lane friends. All three men had four sons and one daughter. We, too, were Irish and Polish. My mom, Elaine and Rhea enjoyed each other's company very much over the years as well. Into old age Jim remained a special friend to my dad who is so very saddened at his passing. The numbers of the so-called Lost Battalion Lane breakfast club have sadly dwindled. I love the photo you chose. He had a luminous smile. Prayers to all the Keenans.

Anonymous replied on

Ken Madura
Rest In Peace Jim.You will be missed!

Anonymous replied on

Ronald J. Kolar, DVM
Jim and I were college roommates. We had many laughs especially on weekends when trips included nearby forests, restaurants, and academic venues. We celebrated our 50th college graduation with our wives at an at home luncheon. He was an avid cyclist and an appreciator of fine arts. My wife, Nancy, and I extend our condolences to Elaine and family.

Anonymous replied on

Maria I Vandenbergh and Peter J Vandenbergh III
* The neighborhood says "Farewell" to one of a few truly GREAT neighbors. Sayre Avenue will remember a SPECIAL companion. The Education and Sports arenas will treasure times and learning experiences...in the classroom and on the playing fields. St. Monica Parish will offer GRATITUDE for an awesome AMBASSADOR of FAITH. * ALL of the mentioned groups must now yield to the Will of Our Father in Heaven. He has called JAMES to his final resting place in Heaven...to do His work in the heavens above us. Jim joins a select few that could be counted on for help and advice...even if he stayed quiet. He would help with words and actions of experience, support, encouragement, and hope. * He was ALWAYS putting God's work and plan into motion. He was forever supportive of getting the task done...and getting done AS GOD, OUR FATHER, willed it to be done. * So, it's our turn to let God's Will Be Done...As He leaves us here on Earth without Jim, he consoles us to know that Jim will continue to do the jobs needed of him. We are full of "memories" of Jim's "techniques" and "tools" and "tricks" to make it look so easy...even though we wondered: "How did he(Jim) do that?" '* we mourn with Elaine and the "kids"...we wish we could have had one more "Jim-ism"; but, we know that he is in a better place to do even more challenging work. We know that Jim will be successful in his new role with his new "boss". We KNOW Jim will be a cpnsummate success...in Heaven; as he was here on Earth. * May Jim rest In Peace and May Memories of ALL Times, Good and Otherwise, be our support and strength as we move on in Jim's spirit.'* Peace to ALL - Remember Jim as the Lord takes him to his eternal kingdom. * HE WILL BE MISSED...BUT NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!! * Peace...With Love, * Maria Isabel and Peter J Vandenbergh III - neighbors

Anonymous replied on

Matt and Tara Schoenfeld
To the whole Keenan family - Our deepest sympathies to the passing of your father. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your families during this time. May he rest in peace. God bless!

Anonymous replied on

Elaine (Swiatkowski) Krallitsch
It has been many years since I've seen Jim but always remember his smiling face and positive attitude. I still remember attending Jim and Elaine's wedding, back in the day when children were also invited to the reception! On behalf of the last remaining members of the Swiatkowski family, may you be comforted by all the happy moments your family shared. Elaine Krallitsch (Uncle Elmer's daughter)