Jim Franklin Keenan

KEENAN, Jim, a long time resident of Palm Beach, died on July 4, at MorseLife in West Palm Beach. He was 82.Born April 16, 1933 in Sugar City, Colorado and raised in Harrison, Arkansas, he graduated from the University of Arkansas with a degree in history and served in the U.S. Navy as a pilot.

As a young man, he a worked his way through college as a professional fishing guide, a miner, laid asphalt and ran die-casting machines. In his late twenties he founded Pace Industries, an aluminum die-casting company that supplied castings for the housing, industrial and recreational industries that were sold worldwide. Pace’s headquarters were in Fayetteville, Arkansas. In 1993 he sold the business to a fortune 500 company. He was actively involved in Republican politics, served on the board of the Center for Democracy and was asked by President George H. Bush to serve as consulate general to Bermuda.

A licensed multi-engine, seaplane, glider and helicopter pilot, he loved flying, boating and sailing. He was an avid tennis player, cyclist and reader. He was a great story-teller and an even better listener. He was a member of the Lyford Cay Club, and the Metropolitan Club.

Survivors include Susan Goldwater Keenan, his wife of 32 years; three daughters, Jo and husband Greg Labagh of San Francisco, Sarah Keenan of Seattle Washington, and Hayley Keenan of Venice Beach, California; and three sons, James and wife Stacy Keenan of Fayetteville, Arkansas, Barry Goldwater III of Woodland Hills, California and Nick Keenan of Delray Beach, Florida. He is also survived by nine grandchildren, Alex, Julian, Joseph and Kathryn Labagh; Patrick, Mitchell and Kristina Keenan; Sydney and Jack Jourard; and a great-grandson, Indra.

A Memorial Service and celebration of his life will be held at the Episcopal Church of Bethesda -by -the -Sea in Palm Beach in the fall. Memorial donations may be made to the MorseLife Rehabilitation Center 4847 Fred Gladstone Drive West Palm Beach, Fl 33417.