OBITUARY
James Clifford Keen
September 9, 1941 – November 24, 2020
Keen, James Clifford, of Ann Arbor passed away Tuesday, November 24th at home, surrounded by his loving wife, children, and grandchildren. He was 79 years old. Visitation will take place Wednesday, December 2nd from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm at Muehlig Funeral Chapel, 403 S. Fourth Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, followed by a private service on Thursday, December 3rd at 11:00 am. The service will be live-streamed on Muehlig’s Facebook page. Jim was born in Ann Arbor, MI on September 9, 1941, the son of Clifford Patrick Keen and Mildred Ella (Smith) Keen. While Jim was in high school, Cliff Keen invented the sport of wrestling’s first protective headgear. From this invention, Jim built Cliff Keen Athletic, the world’s largest manufacturer of wrestling equipment and uniforms. Involved in the sport for over 65 years, Jim positively impacted the world of wrestling in many ways: as a competitor at the University of Michigan under his father, Coach Cliff Keen; as an inventor of wrestling equipment; as CEO of Cliff Keen Athletic; as a tournament sponsor; and as a legislative liaison. Jim also was involved with USA Wrestling, the National Wrestling Coaches Association, and the National Wrestling Hall of Fame –serving as its chairman from 2004-2013. In 2004 he received the Hall of Fame’s Order of Merit for his contributions and service to the sport of wrestling. Jim was also known to support many individual athletes and programs throughout the country. In addition, Jim served on the board of the Michigan Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. He was a past president of the University of Michigan Letterwinners M Club, and later received the club’s prestigious Bob Ufer Award. U of M honored him with the Don Lund Award, and he was a recipient of the Bob Ufer Quarterback Club’s Bennie Oosterbaan Award. Jim was active in the local Ann Arbor community, serving on the boards of Ann Arbor Bank and Trust, First of America Bank, and Ann Arbor Commerce Bank. Jim loved golf, joined both Barton Hills and Washtenaw Country Clubs, and enjoyed many enduring friendships. He coached multiple youth baseball and hockey teams, mentoring numerous kids through the years. He also played hockey until age 70 with his many friends in the Ann Arbor and Chelsea adult leagues. Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Clifford Patrick Keen and Mildred Ella (Smith) Keen, and his sister, Shirley (Keen) Leahy. He is survived by his loving wife, Mary (Pope) Keen, whom he met in physics class at UM. They were married on August 17, 1963 and lived happily together for 57 years. He also is survived by his sister Joyce (Keen) Novak and husband Robert Novak; son James Jr. and wife Bonnie (Hassenfeld), their children Gabrielle and Molly; daughter Caroline (Keen) Gould and husband Christopher Gould, their children Ashley, Mary-Grace, Lila, Johnny, and Gina; and son Thomas and wife Claudia (Cabrera), their children Sofia, Isabel, and Elizabeth. Jim would be the first to comment that his greatest legacy was his family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim Keen’s honor to the Alzheimer’s Association and to the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.
Services
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Visitation
Wednesday, December 2, 2020
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Visitation
Wednesday, December 2, 2020
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Private Family Funeral Service
Thursday, December 3, 2020
Memories
James Clifford Keen
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYGreg Ryan
December 3, 2020
I was really moved after watching the Jim Keen memorial service online. Jimmy, Tommy, Caroline, and grandchildren shared some great memories and really captured his legacy. I admire so much about “Uncle Jim” especially his unique combination of kindness and success. I was lucky enough to be a part of several “Uncle Jim” and “Big Doug” sandwiches. No better feeling.
Edd Bankowski
December 2, 2020
Edd Bankowski
December 2, 2020
Edd Bankowski
December 2, 2020
Edd Bankowski
December 2, 2020
Edd Bankowski
December 2, 2020
Edward Bankowski
December 2, 2020
Edd Bankowski
December 2, 2020
Many great memories of Jim and his family......I've know Jim since maybe 1983 and our friendship continued to grow over the years through ordering uniforms when I coached at Bedford, to attending his dad, Cliff's funeral, to coaching and working camps at Michigan, UM golf outings, UM wrestling banquets, serving on the board together with the National Wrestling Hall of Fame/Michigan Chapter and more. A couple of my favorite memories with Jim, and his family include, with the help of Sandy Stevens, my instituting the standing of fans at the NCAA Finals, beginning with 20 years and counting "down" 25 years, 30,34, 40, etc. until only one or 2 guys were left....Jim Keen was the last man standing! The other was having nominated Jim and his family for the Family Legacy Award/National Wrestling Hall of Fame/Michigan Chapter......it was a lot of fun working with them in terms of getting information and photos......Jim Keen....great personality, super friendly, very giving and caring, great family, great for our sport.....known throughout the world of wrestling....RIP Jim (love you) Edd Bankowski
Joe McFarland
December 2, 2020
Chad Clark
November 30, 2020
"Senior" will always have a special place in my heart.
I was lucky enough to get to know Jim in what seems like a former life. I was always impressed by his friendliness and generosity, often inviting me to visit his lake house, well before I moved to Michigan. It was Senior who helped me out of a dismal situation and offered me a job in early 1999. I knew it was meant to be when I showed up for my interview and we were both wearing the same tie! Not planned, I swear. We both got a kick out of that and his boys often reminded me that was the only reason they gave me the job! But that was Senior, always so generous and wanting to help people.
I had the pleasure of working for and alongside Senior for the past twenty-two years. He was a tremendous mentor, friend, and so much more than a boss ever could be. In many ways, Senior was like another father to me, and I knew I could always turn to him when I needed counsel on something; anything.
I will forever be grateful to Jim, and he will be missed immensely by so many people whom he touched and cared for. I'll miss you, buddy. God bless you, Senior!
JEROME Farmer
November 29, 2020
Mr. Keen was my hockey coach, my wrestling mentor, my closest friends' father, my dad's best friend, and a man I admired and loved. He supported me in athletics, in academics, and as a boy learning to grow into a man. He was quick to compliment good work and caring when he corrected you. He would come to watch me perform in different sports, even though he had a company to run and three talented children of his own. He displayed integrity and compassion toward everyone he encountered, and found joy in the accomplishments of other people. He taught me so much, and provided so many wonderful times for me and my family; I'm blessed with memories which will never be forgotten.
JEROME Farmer
November 29, 2020
Jerome Farmer
November 29, 2020
Steve Elliott
November 29, 2020
Jim Senior was one of the first people to shake my hand & welcome me, 23 years ago, on my first day as an employee at Cliff Keen Athletic.
He took great pride in giving tours of the company to visitors. And, he would always make a point of bringing them into my office to say; "this is Steve! He makes art for us!" Causing the visiting Olympians to chuckle.
He attended my wedding. And he would ask me about my wife, Liz, every single time we spoke, afterwards. Without fail.
He was the very heart & soul of CKA.
He was the epitome of a gentleman.
He was a legend.
And, he will be forever missed.
Douglas Imlach
November 29, 2020
I knew Jim for over 2 decades, mostly through the Ann Arbor and Chelsea adult hockey leagues, where he was a long time team sponsor. He always had a ready smile and a good word for those around him. Jim set an example for good sportsmanship and when he retired from the ice, his presence was missed. I will also miss the occasional conversations l enjoyed when I encountered him at his permanent table at Knight's steakhouse. RIP my friend.
Liz Early Allmand
November 29, 2020
Burns Park friend. Truly a very nice , sincere person
Connie Sims
November 28, 2020
I met my cousin, Jim Keen, once at a family reunion in Tennesse. I must say it was one of the most positive meetings with an unknown relative I have ever been involved in. We were kindred spirits immediately and spent some special hours over ice cream getting to know each other, He was one of a kind and a most gentle and
generous man I have never met before. So proud to call him cousin.
I cannot imagine the loss sof such a man to his loved ones, but know there are so many that share your grief.
Connie Beat Sims
Craig Turnbull
November 27, 2020
My warmest thoughts and condolences to the Keen family.
Jim was one kindest and most humble men. He exuded such warmth and empathy so naturally.
I believe the quality I will most remember him for is his generosity. He was generous with his time, his empathy and his genuine friendship to so many.
Jacqueline French
November 25, 2020
My condolences and prayers go out to the Keen family. You have beautiful memories of a life well lived. May he rest in peace.
Kathy Frisinger
November 25, 2020
I have known Jim since Junior High School. He was a great friend in high school and beyond. I always enjoyed his sense of humor. Jim always had a smile and hug no matter how long it had been since I had seen him. He was truly a kind compassionate gentleman. He will be missed by so many and I send his family my sincere condolences.
Kathy (Staebler) Frisinger
Paul Helber
November 25, 2020
The Helber family have been friends of the Keens for many years. Lots of connections from high school years to many U of M ties
Jim was a great friend who had so many fine attributes
He was generous, and kind, with an ever present smile. He loved his family and was so very proud of them.
We will miss Jim, as will so many others.
RIP 🙏
Barbara (Steele) Haist
November 25, 2020
I had the pleasure of knowing Jim since jr high and no matter how long in between times I saw him I was always greeted with a big hug and a smile. He will be truly missed by all . Barb Haist
Steve Donoghue
November 25, 2020
I lived near Jim and Tom for many years and there was never a moment where it seemed their amazing father was not part of a conversation and always with a smile. Jim was a force behind a great facility that I helped build (Bahna Wrestling Center) and it was a joy getting to know him through that fun. My condolences to the entire amazing Keen family