Walter James Keehner

W. J. ‘Jim’ was born in Danville, IL to Herman and Freda Keehner in 1925. In his early years, he was a skate dancer with an international roller skating exhibition group.

Jim graduated from Casey Jones School of Aeronautics in Newark, NJ and served his country during WWII repairing aircraft at Hickham Field and other locations on Oahu. After the war he returned to Danville where he eventually co-owned Garrard – Keehner Body Shop.

He was active in the Vermilion County Sheriff’s Dept. volunteers. His pastimes included boating, waterskiing, and camping with his family. He was past president of the GAO Grotto and a member of Anchor Lodge #980, AF & AM, Danville.

He moved his family to Vero Beach, FL in 1969 where he worked for Ken Terry Cadillac, Piper Aircraft, and with treasure hunter, Mel Fisher. After retirement, Jim was active in Indian River shooting clubs and riding his Harley Davidson.

He is loved and missed by two sons, Bill (Beverly) of Vero Beach and Tom (Carol) of Virginia, and a daughter, Sheila Johnson, of Washington. He had 4 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, and 2 great, great grandchildren. His wife of 56 years, Joyce, predeceased him.

A private gathering to celebrate his life will take place at a later time. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the VNA Hospice House in Vero Beach or a charity of your choice in his memory.

Arrangements under the direction of Aycock Funeral Home, Fort Pierce, FL.