James Keys

Jimmy's life began on July 24, 1979 in Niles, the son of James A. and Arlene (Elliott) Keys. He is a 2002 graduate of Cassopolis Ross Beatty High School, where he played football and was attending Lake Michigan College in South Haven pursuing his education as an EMT. Jimmy was a fire fighter with the Dowagiac City Fire Department and loved his job and his co-workers. He was united in marriage to the former Angela M. Johnson on October 23, 1999 in Elkhart. Jimmy enjoyed motorcycles and his motorcycle club. He was an avid Notre Dame Football fan. Jimmy's greatest joy was spending time with his daughters and he enjoyed spending time with his special nephew, playing video games. His loving family includes his wife Angela M. Keys of Dowagiac, father and mother Jim and Arlene Keys of Dowagiac, his grandmother Nora Keys of Dowagiac, his children Kaylee Wessel, Casey Lynn Keys, and Cori Ann Keys, all of Dowagiac, his sister Sally (Brad Picardat) Wilson of Lawrence and nephew Daine Keys of Lawrence. Jimmy passed away on Monday February 14, 2011 in an automobile accident near South Haven. He is preceded in death by maternal grandparents William H. and Alice L. Elliott and paternal grandfather James Alfred Keys. His family will gather with friends on Thursday from 5-8 p.m. at Yazel & Clark Chapel where his funeral service will be held on Friday at 11 a.m. led by Pastor John Criswell of the New Harvest Church of God. The service will be concluded with fire department honors rendered by the Dowagiac Fire Department. He will be laid to rest in Riverside Cemetery following the service. Memorial contributions in his name may be directed to the family and children in care of Jim Keys. Please sign his guestbook and leave a memory of Jimmy at www.yazel-clark.com.