James Larry Keener (Jim), 84, of Fairmont, passed away at his residence on Friday, May 31, 2024.
He was born on July 19, 1939, in Fairmont to the late Jonathan Bailey Keener and Helen Keener (Nandressy).
Jim graduated from East Fairmont High School. He went on to earn a bachelor’s in theology with a minor in religion from Columbia Union College in Takoma Park, Md. There, he met the woman he said he knew he was going to marry the first time he saw her. They married before the beginning of a fall semester, joking that neither of them wanted to go back to living in the dorms.
After graduation, they came back to Fairmont, where Jim worked as a draftsman at Mon Power, retiring after 31 years. Jim used his drafting knowledge to lay out plans for the Seventh-Day Adventist Church on Oakwood Road. He was active in the church. He served as an elder, preached and lead Bible studies.
Jim was an amateur photographer who loved taking nature pictures and portraits of family and friends.
Jim was a loving husband to the love of his life of 61 years, Hilde Keener (Kober). He was a loving father to Larry Keener, who was his best friend and partner in crime. He was a loving son who took care of his parents until the end of their lives. He also helped his extended family however and whenever he could.
In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his brother, John Robert Keener.
A private graveside service was held for Jim at Mt. Zion Cemetery.
Carpenter and Ford Funeral Home was honored to assist the Keener family during this time.
Condolences:
www.carpenterandford.com
