Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

James O'Keefe

James Wortham O'Keefe, died November 22, 2003, at his home in Houston, Tex.

He was born August 21, 1921, in Rosston, to Lemma and James O'Keefe.

He had one sister, Mary Kathryn. His parents and sister preceded him.

Jim's education was interrupted by WWII. He served in the U.S. Army in the European theater in battles from France to Austria, was among the troops sent to relieve those trapped by the Battle of the Bulge, participated in the liberation of Dachau and learned to love opera by guarding the Salzburg Opera House after the battles in Europe ended.

Jim graduated from the University of Arkansas with a degree in accounting and joined Texas Gas Transmission's accounting staff in Ownesboro, Ken. He came to Houston to help establish Texas Gas exploration, a wholly owned subsidiary, and stayed to serve as treasurer and later financial Vice President of that company. He loved his work. He retired in 1983 and loved his retirement. Jim had the happy facility of always seeing the best in situations and people.

In 1959 this confirmed bachelor surprised himself and those who knew him by marrying Helen Ann Garrett. Their happy marriage was soon enhanced by the arrival of Margaret Helen O'Keefe. Jim was wonderful husband and loving father.

He was an active member of Chapelwood United Methodist Church and of Pine Country Club. Next to home, those were the places he loved best.

Jim was a faithful friend. He was absolutely honest and dependable. You could count on his word.

Jim will be greatly missed by his wife, Helen O'Keefe; his daughter, Margaret O'Keefe; his mother-in-law, Helen Garrett; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Margaret and Dick Wall; and many nieces and nephews and dear friends.

Memorial services will be delayed by family health and travel concerns and will be held on December 22 at Chapelwood United Methodist Church, 11140 Greenbay. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Chapelwood Foundation or the Houston Area Parkinson's Society or any charity you love.