John Thomas O'Keefe

John T. O’Keefe, Brigadier General Ret. , 91, retired President of the MS Manufacturers Assoc. died Friday January 22, 2016. Visitation is 1:00-3:00pm Wednesday January 27, 2016 at Parkway Funeral Home in Ridgeland followed by funeral services at 3:00pm. Burial will follow in Parkway Memorial Cemetery.

John was born and raised in Jackson and attended the Jackson public Schools. He joined the Army Air Corps in 1942 and became a pilot. He flew 358 Hours of combat in the China India Burma Theatre. He joined the MS Army National Guard as an Army Aviator and retired as a Brig. General in 1979.

General O’Keefe received several medals during his military service that included the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal and the Air Medal. He attended several service schools that included the Army Command and General Staff College.

John was employed by the MS Manufacturers Assn. in 1960 and served as its president from 1965 to 1980. He was an avid golfer and active in Seniors Golf Programs at the Jackson Country Club.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Maurice and Grace Beasley O’Keefe and his sister Kathryn Adams and brother Milton O’Keefe.

Survivors include his wife, Gwen Varney O’Keefe; brothers, Carlton O’Keefe of Madison and Frank O’Keefe of Clinton; son, John T. O’Keefe Jr. of Ridgeland; daughter Peggy Weems (Billy) of Quitman; Step-son Doug Varney (Judy) of Madison; step-daughters, Diane Palmer of Ridgeland and Tomine Gables (Mark) of Ridgeland; many grandchildren and step-grandchildren.

Arrangements under the direction of Parkway Funeral Home, Ridgeland, MS.