James Keazer
James Jay Keazer died peacefully on Aug. 19 at Circle of Life Hospice in Bentonville, Arkansas with his family at his side.
Jim was born Feb. 16, 1946, in Marion, Kansas, to Harold Jay and Janet Thye Keazer. He graduated from Marion High School and received his B.A. in industrial technology from Emporia State University.
He married Melody Thompson Keazer on Jan. 18, 1969, in Marion. After spending three years in Emporia working for Didde-Glasser, Jim and Melody moved to Rogers, Arkansas, where Jim worked in research and development at Daisy Manufacturing for 16 years, eventually becoming chief engineer. After leaving Daisy, Jim worked for Clarke Industries in Springdale, Arkansas, as an engineering manager for the floor scrubber division. Jim loved his work, especially when it involved figuring out a new or better way to design a part or improve a product. He earned three patents before retiring in 2009.
Jim enjoyed golf, fishing, working on his home and yard, and spending time with his family and friends. His favorite place to be was in his boat on Beaver Lake. He was also involved in his church, First Christian (DOC), and was a past deacon and board chairman. In his retirement, he loved working at GRUB (God Relies Upon Brotherhood), the church food pantry, and he provided Bibles to those who visited the pantry. Jim loved life and always maintained a positive, thankful attitude, even throughout his extended illness. He never gave up.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife; his children, Jennifer and Brad Henry of Cave Springs, Arkansas, and Jay and Deborah Keazer of Fayetteville, Arkansas; and three grandchildren, Kaitlyn and Brandon Henry, and Caroline Keazer. He also is survived by his sister, Jeanne Keazer of Concordia, Kansas; his brother and sister-in-law, Doug and Luci Keazer of West Lafayette, Indiana; his sister-in-law, Renda Robertson and husband Randy of Wichita, Kansas; nieces and nephews, Lindsay Keazer and Quan Zeng, Matthew Keazer, Brian Keazer, Ryan Robertson, Rhys Robertson, and Lacy and Chris King; and his favorite fishing buddy, his dog, Molly.
A memorial service was 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 22, 2015, at First Christian Church, Rogers. Inurnment at columbarium followed the service. Visitation was Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Disciples Hall at the church.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in his honor to First Christian Church Food Pantry, GRUB, 905 S. 13th St., Rogers AR 72758. Online condolences can be made at www.rollinsfuneral.com.