James Duwane Keyes was born October 31, 1935 in Ashtabula, Ohio to James Henry and Alice (Wyman) Keyes. After attending school he served in the United States Army. This brought him to Oklahoma, where he was stationed at Ft. Sill. While there he met the love of his life, the former Patricia Gail Stevens. The two were married on December, 1956. They shared a wonderful life together that lasted 66 years.

Two driving forces in James' life were his strong work ethic and his absolute Christian faith. His life was an expression of these attributes.

Before retirement he was employed as a construction supervisor for a road construction company. After retirement James continued to be active. James always had a project going; it seemed he had to stay busy. He built several houses, including his home in Porter, where he and Pat moved in 2001. He could be found doing remodeling, delivering fruit and otherwise helping around Dawna and Kent's farm. James' hobbies included riding horses, which he enjoyed until suffering an injury, riding his motorcycle and watching cowboy movies.

James came to know the Lord and accepted Christ in his 20's. Dawna shared her memories of his leading the music in church and singing in the choir. He taught Sunday school for a number of years.  He and Pat have been active members of the Cornerstone Church of the Nazarene in Wagoner, OK.

James departed this life to be with the Lord on Thursday, June 22, 2023 at Eastgate Village Healthcare Center in Muskogee, OK at the age of 87 years. Welcoming him to the other side were his parents, James and Alice Keyes, his son, Darren Keyes and two brothers, David Keyes, who died in the Korean War, and Bill Keyes.

James is survived by his loving wife, Patricia Keyes of the home; his daughter and son-law, Dawna and Kent Livesay; two grandsons and their wives, Kyle and Paulina Livesay and Nathan and Katheryn Livesay, all of Porter, OK; a number of nieces and nephews; other extended family and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 7 pm Monday, June 26, 2023 at the Cornerstone Church of the Nazarene in Wagoner, OK. Officiating will be the Reverends Mike Staton and Henry Reed.