James A. Keeling

EAST PEORIA ~ James Alban “Jim” Keeling, 88, of East Peoria, passed away at 4:33 a.m. Thursday, November 20, 2025 at OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria with his wife of 67 years at his side. He was formerly of Peoria and Creve Coeur.

Born December 18, 1936 in Crayne, Kentucky to James E. and Wilma (Long) Keeling, he married Norma Sue Sigler on May 17, 1958 in Marion, Kentucky.

Surviving are his wife, Sue of East Peoria; one daughter, Tracy Lee (Jim) Denniston of East Peoria; one son, Trent Keeling of Dunlap; two grandchildren, Ashley (Terry) Aeschleman of East Peoria and Matthew (Heather) Phillips of Morton; six great-grandchildren, Chloe Aeschleman, Ethan Aeschleman, Luke Aeschleman, Silvia Phillips, Gwen Phillips and Cameron Phillips; one sister, Janice Faye Reuter of Sarasota, Florida; two sisters-in-law, Pat (Wayne) Sigler and Glenda (Dean) Todd; one brother-in-law, Gerald (Willa) Sigler and seven nieces, Karen Faver, Mona Keeling, Jennifer Ogata, Leslie Reutter, Beth Trimble, Regina Kirk and Christina Young.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Wayne Keeling and one sister, Sue Patmor.

Jim was a graduate of Crittenden County (KY) High School and attended Illinois Central College.

He worked for Caterpillar, Inc. as a Quality Control Analyst for 30 years before retiring in 1993 and then worked at Illinois Central College for the next 15 years.

Jim was a person of faith and a member of Summit Point Church in East Peoria. He was a former long-time member of the Church of the Nazarene.

Jim had a profound appreciation for nature, often spending his time tending to his garden and maintaining bird feeders. His love for the outdoors was matched by his good taste in music, which brought joy to those around him.

His memorial service will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, November 25, 2025 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Pastor Tim Harkness and Pastor Mike Klopfenstein will officiate. Visitation will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Private inurnment will be in Sugar Grove Cumberland Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Marion, Kentucky.

Jim's presence will be deeply missed, but his legacy of faith, love for nature and genuine kindness will continue to inspire those who knew him.

Memorial contributions may be made to Samaritan’s Purse, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607 or to the Illinois CancerCare Foundation, 8940 North Wood Sage Road, Peoria, IL 61615.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com