Alfred K. (Jim) Keetch passed from this mortal existence on Tuesday, 15 Dec 2015, due to complications of Emphysema. Jim was surrounded by his loving family that gathered to show support, demonstrate a deep love for him, and to celebrate the incredible life he had lived. Some may say that passing during the Christmas season is terrible but his loving family believes otherwise because of the Christ-like giving and caring shared by so many that is reflective of this time of year. Jim was the first born son of Alfred Martell and Buela Kofford Keetch; and the third of 6 children to include VaLoy, Merla, Dee, Boyd, and Clea. He grew up in Utah County where he participated in sports and choir. Jim graduated from Orem High in 1952 and hitchhiked for two days to Dugway Proving Ground to seek a job with the Federal Government. He worked at Dugway for 5 years rising through the ranks quickly to a leader position before being drafted into the US Army in 1957. Jim went to basic training at Ft Dix, NJ and was later stationed in Ft. Monmouth NJ, Albuquerque, NM, where he met Kitsy Cramer for the first time, and then shipped out to Siegelsbach Germany for a year. After a year in Germany he returned to Arkansas to be released from military service. From there, he made his way back to Albuquerque to see Kitsy again and proposed shortly thereafter. They were married in July of 1959 and made their home back at US Army Dugway Proving Ground for the next 42 years. Jim and Kitsy are the proud parents of Alfred Jim (Anita) Keetch, Jeff (Debra Wright) Keetch, and Cathy (Jeff Atkinson) Keetch. They are also the grandparents of Ashlee Keetch, Kylee (Ian) Larsen, Danny Keetch, and Shelby Keetch. And, the great-grandparents of Avery Layne Larsen. Jim worked in the Test Center at US Army Dugway Proving Ground and throughout his career he held many positions performing testing on systems and equipment that benefited US warfighters throughout the world. His organizational skills and attention to detail were impeccable and recognized several times throughout his career. He retired in 1991, worked a total of 39 years for the Federal Government. Kitsy was not yet ready to retire so Jim worked another 10 years with Lockheed Martin before he and Kitsy officially retired in 2001. In retirement, Jim and Kitsy were able to travel the world. They journeyed together to Canada, Mexico, Panama, Austria, Germany, France, England, Switzerland, Puerto Rico, and the USA from west to east. They enjoyed time together, benefiting from their years of hard work, and more importantly spending time together enjoying the journey. Jim and Kitsy’s marriage was solemnized in the LDS Salt Lake City Temple 13 December 2013. Further blessing their relationship and promises of eternal companionship; and, allowing their precious journey to continue. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Boyd and Dee; and, his sisters VaLoy Menlove and Clea Rasmussen. He is survived his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grand child. He is also survived by his sister Merla Bolling, sister-in-laws Jane Keetch, Martha Keetch, Donna Dow, Judy Cramer, and brother-in-law Danny (Norma) Cramer. And, his many nieces and nephews in Utah and Indiana. We want to express special thanks to Intermountain Healthcare and Hospice and particularly Suzie Clark who provided such wonderful care for Jim. We also want to thank the incredible members of the Parkway 7th Ward for their love, concern and generosity during these difficult times. A viewing will be held Friday, 18 Dec 2015 at the LDS Parkway 7th Ward building at 9894 South 2700 West in South Jordan from 6:00 to 8:00pm. Funeral services will be held at the same location on Saturday, 19 Dec 2015. A viewing will be held from 10:00 to 11:30am and the funeral will be at 12:00pm. Interment will be at Wasatch Lawn – South Valley, 13001 South 3600 West, Riverton, Utah. In lieu of flowers please donate to the Huntsman Cancer Institute or your favorite charity. Funeral under the direction of Didericksen Memorial (dideriksenmemorial.com).
