James Michael Keefe

of Binghamton

James Michael Keefe, 81, passed away after a brief illness on Saturday, August 11, 2012. He was predeceased by his parents, Harry and Mary Keefe; aunt, Genevieve; sisters, Rosemary McGoff and Joan Safford; and son, James Michael. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Lorraine; children, Mary-Michael Surdey, Patrick (Donna) Keefe, Eileen (John) Hurley, Jeffrey (Joyce) Keefe, Daniel (Amy) Keefe; fifteen grandchildren and expecting his first great-grandchild in August. He is also survived by his sister, Jeanne Kadlecik; cousins, Maryanne Davitt; Kathleen (Jim) Alberque and other family members. Jim was a graduate of Binghamton North High School Technical -Machinical Program. He proudly served in the US Navy as an Aviation Machinist Mate 2nd Class Petty Officer in the Korean War.He was hired by IBM as an apprentice tool and die maker and flourished as an IBMer for 30 years, retiring in 1984. Jim loved all sports and was a diehard Yankees fan. He was a member of St. Thomas of Aquina's Church.

A Funeral Mass will be offered on Tuesday, August 14, 2012 at 10:00 am at St. Thomas of Aquina's Church, 1 Aquina's Street, Binghamton. The family will receive friends on Monday, August 13, 2012 at Wm. R. Chase & Son Funeral Home, 737 Chenango Street, Port Dickinson, from 4-7 pm. Burial will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jim's memory to a charity of one's choice.