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James Edward Keck, 67, took his life back to its Source on May 18, 2010, terminating his battle with advanced diabetes and depression.
Born in Berea, Ohio, October 7, 1942, to Charles G. and Irene (Ruhlman) Keck, Jim was the youngest of three sons. He attended school in Berea, received a French horn scholarship to Baldwin-Wallace College (B.A. 1965) and obtained a Ph.D. in Psychology from Case Western Reserve University in 1974.
In 1966, Jim married Mary Ann Molnar and to this union were born two children: Jonathan Charles and Vail Elizabeth Keck. Upon their divorce in 1975, Jim experienced single parenthood while working as director and chief psychologist at the Iowa Security Medical Facility in Oakdale, Iowa.
While a member of First United Methodist Church in Iowa City, he learned the value of a church family and eventually met his future wife, Jaquelyn (Jacki) Dennis, as they both sang in the choir. Common interests in music and faith resulted in their marrying on August 27, 1977, after which the family of four moved to Jamestown, North Dakota, where Jim took a position as forensic unit director at the North Dakota State Hospital.
Spring of 1978 found the family back in Iowa, where Jim worked as psychologist at the Chemical Dependency Unit of the Mental Health Institute in Mt. Pleasant. Three boys were added to the Keck family: Wesley Gilbert (1979) and Samuel Fegtly and Robert Sebley (1982). Jim loved the outdoors, growing things and three times peddled across the state in RAGBRAI (Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa).
In 1992, Jim was offered the position of psychologist at Mercy Medical Center in Williston, North Dakota. The family transitioned from country to city life and became active in school and church. Primarily a pianist, Jim added playing the organ to his accomplishments and serviced not only Faith United Methodist but other churches in Williston, along with being available for funerals and weddings. Church and community activities involved the whole family, especially when it came to music. Together they participated in church choir, handbells and singing in the Williston Community Chorale. He and Jacki both played French horn in City Band. In recent years Jim accompanied the Williston Strings.
His professional life was important. He was a member of the American Psychological Association and a regular attendee at meetings and conferences of the North Dakota Psychological Association. His generous heart extended to those whom he tried to help, even as deteriorating health made it difficult to find energy and peace. But his joy came in following the accomplishments of his children and getting acquainted with his grandchildren.
Jim is survived by his wife, Jaquelyn of Williston; sons, Jonathan of Campbell CA, Wesley of Fargo, Samuel (Karli) and Robert (Priscilla), both of Williston; and daughter, Vail (Steve) Rowland of Moorpark CA; brothers, Richard of Cleveland OH, and David of Athens OH; mother-in-law, Rachel Dennis of Iowa City IA; and grandchildren, Ian, Emma, Piper and Grace.
Preceding Jim in death were his parents and father-in-law.
The family is extending an invitation to anyone who might be interested in singing an anthem directed by Vail during the service. A rehearsal will be held Sunday at 1:00 p.m. in the church sanctuary.
Memorials can be given to the music scholarship established in the name of James Keck at Williston State College or the Stained Glass Window project at Faith United Methodist Church.
The Everson Funeral Home of Williston is caring for the family.
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A celebration of his life will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 24, at Faith United Methodist Church in Williston. Pastor Rod Tkach will officiate.
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Friends may call at Everson Funeral Home Sunday from 1:00 until 5:00 p.m. and Monday morning at the church for the hour preceding the funeral.
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Interment will follow in Riverview Cemetery.
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