James Keller of Grand Rapids, Michigan, passed away on October 2, 2026. He was 76 years old and has gone home to the Lord.
We remember and celebrate James’ full life here on Earth.
His great loves included his wife, Carol; the extended family that he married into; and the family that birthed and raised him.
James loved his grandchildren deeply. He encouraged Peter (20) in his avid fishing and chess playing. He enjoyed Eli’s (18) baseball career as a pitcher and catcher, attending his games regularly. James deeply appreciated Molly’s (16) musical and artistic talents, as well as her athleticism. He was proud of Carol’s daughters, Kim Johnson and Lee Ross, and their husbands, Stephen and Jason.
James encouraged his siblings, Fred, John, Patricia, Judy, and Christine Keller and her husband, Nathan Beversluis, to follow their dreams and express their many talents. He also enjoyed visiting and spending time with his parents, Nora Johanna Troy Keller and Fred H. Keller, where he was warmly welcomed and loved.
James respected work of all kinds. Affectionately known as the “Old Man” on construction sites, he was proud of his contributions to the Bridgewater Place towers and our public infrastructure.
His ease in engaging anyone in conversation led to a successful rural sales career that blended his love of the outdoors with cruising Michigan’s backroads. This all complemented James’ love of reading and taking in new knowledge wherever he found it.
James’ life took him through many adventures—from Junior Achievement to rock climbing at Grand Ledge, to his years in Houston, Texas, to working to build an orphanage in Mexico, and finally back to Grand Rapids. He and Carol also enjoyed trips around the United States and to the Caribbean.
James expressed his living faith through his interactions with everyone he met.
