James "Jim" O'Keane's Obituary
James "Jim" Michael O’Keane passed away peacefully on May 24, 2025, at the age of 87.
Jim was born on September 8, 1937, to Ruth (Reis) and James J. O’Keane of Colgate, WI. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Kathleen Zechmeister.
Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Carol (Rasmussen); his son James R. (Kirsten); his daughter Jennifer (Joe); and his treasured granddaughters, Josie and Katie. He is also survived by his dear brother, Robert J. (Susan) O’Keane, along with many cherished relatives and lifelong friends.
Family:
James was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, cherished by his family and friends.
Career:
Jim enjoyed a long and dedicated teaching career, sharing his passion for Math, Social Studies, and Art with generations of students.
Mayville, WI: James began his teaching career in Mayville, Wisconsin, where he made a significant impact on his students and the community.
Fox Point, WI: He later taught in Fox Point, Wisconsin, continuing his dedication to education and shaping the lives of many students.
He retired from Maple Dale – Indian Hill School District in 1995. Retirement did not slow his creative spirit; Jim pursued his love of hand-throwing clay and porcelain, mastering different glazing techniques. For over 30 years, he participated in art fairs across many states, including three decades selling his work at the renowned Ann Arbor Art Fair, one of the largest art fairs in the country. He later developed a fascination with working in dichroic glass, continuing his artistic journey.
He was a proud graduate of UW–Oshkosh, earned his MBA from Cardinal Stritch College, and completed his MFA at UW–Milwaukee.
Legacy:
His passion for teaching and commitment to his students left an indelible mark on the communities he served.
Jim will be remembered for his warmth, humor, generosity, and deep love for his family and community. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Service Details:
A funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, June 3rd at Most Blessed Sacrament Parish (St. Peter’s Site), located at 449 High Ave., Oshkosh, WI. Public visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m., followed by Mass at 11:00 a.m., and a celebration of life luncheon. Jim will be laid to rest at Plummer Cemetery, 4723 County Rd S, Oshkosh, at 2:00 p.m.
St. Peter’s was a special place to Jim; it was where he married his beloved Carol on February 3rd, 66 years ago.
Donations:
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin – Fox Valley, reflecting James’s lifelong commitment to the well-being of children. Located in Neenah, the Fox Valley Hospital is the only hospital in northeast Wisconsin dedicated exclusively to the care of kids. Tribute donations can be completed online at https://give.childrenswi.org/.
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