James Luther Keith Jr.

James Luther Keith Jr. of Mount Washington, Kentucky entered eternal rest on May 11, 2026 at the age of 67 following a lengthy and courageous battle with early-onset dementia. He passed surrounded by his loved ones. He is remembered for the life he lived, the family who cherished him, and the impact he made on those around him.

Born on February 28, 1959, in Indianapolis, Indiana, James lived a life defined by hard work, perseverance, and a deep abiding love for his family.

James spent his early years in the Navy, serving on a Naval Destroyer, aboard the USS Mahan from August 1976 until June 20, 1978. He often reflected on his years of service and the memorable experiences he had while traveling throughout the South American continent. James loved recalling those stories of his adventures, often sharing in the laughter with his family and those around him.

Following his military service, James channeled his charismatic personality into a successful career. As a gifted salesman, he owned and operated a meat and seafood service before transitioning into the financial sector, where he worked for many years as a mortgage loan officer. Throughout his career, his dedication and work ethic earned him numerous awards and accolades.

James will be fondly remembered for his quick wit and inviting laughter; he had a charismatic personality, and his presence would brighten any room he walked into. He deeply loved our animals and, over the years, proudly claimed the honor of naming each family pet. Oliver, his beloved cat held an especially treasured place in his heart, their early morning chases through the neighborhood brought joy and laughter to many.

James had an undeniable strength in the face of hardship; he endured several heart attacks and despite that would gradually return to his hobby of jogging, often alongside his boys. Those who knew James would say his laugh was infectious and he loved to tell jokes, effortlessly ‘breaking down’ barriers, he would put a smile on the faces of everyone he met.

In the final years of his life, James was lovingly cared for in part by his youngest son, Collin, whose devotion and compassion brought great comfort and dignity to both his father and their family.

He was preceded in death by his father, James Luther Keith Sr.; his mother, Patricia Sue Profitt; his son, James Eric Keith; and a sister, Sheila Brown and brother, Anthony Sneed; and his beloved cat, Oliver.

James leaves behind his wife Colleen Keith; his 3 sons Collin Keith, Sean Keith and his wife Alyssa, and Michael Keith of Fort Wayne, Indiana a brother Patrick Keith and his wife Cindy of Indianapolis, Indiana; and has six cherished grandchildren Layla, Luna, Xemera, Isabella, Kamia, and Braxton; as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family members

Celebration of Life:

A Celebration of Life will be held for family and friends at a later date and will include military honors in recognition of James's dedicated service in the U.S. Navy.

Memorial Contributions:

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in James’s honor to:

• Fried’s Cat Shelter (Michigan City, IN)

• Leitchfield Animal Shelter (Leitchfield, KY) — where Oliver's story began and which achieved no-kill status on June 27, 2025.

Memories and Photos:

Friends and family are invited to view or upload photos to the memorial gallery using the provided link.

Arrangements are under the direction of Advantage Funeral Home - Hardy Chapel, "Where Personal And Sincere Service Is Tradition."