James Leroy Keener

James Leroy Keener, also known as Jim, passed away on July 1, 2025 in Olathe, Kansas, at the age of seventy-eight. He was born on November 4, 1946, in Glasco, Kansas. James is survived by his sister, Jackie Stelter (Ken); son, David Keener of Abilene, Kansas; and daughter, Amy Naylor (Chris) of Olathe, Kansas; four grandchildren; Laura Keener, Dylan Naylor, Joseph Keener, and Emerson Naylor; sister-in-law, Cindy Thomas of Newburgh, Maine, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Pamela Jo Keener and his parents Johnnie Keener Jr. and Charlotte (Purvis) Keener.

James grew up on a farm in Delphos, Kansas where he learned the value of hard work. James was a helper to his community, neighbors and those less fortunate. He served in the Chapman Lions Club and enjoyed helping build and maintain the sports complex and playground in Chapman. James and Pam Keener hosted exchange students from Finland, Mexico, Germany, and Switzerland through the AFS program

James had many hobbies including gardening, working on outdoor projects, and attending and assisting in coaching his children’s summer baseball and softball teams. As a talented and skillful woodworker, he made beautiful furniture and pieces of art that his wife, Pam, painted.

James attended Delphos High School in Delphos, Kansas where he excelled in sports, academics and chorus. He graduated from Kansas State University with a degree in Agricultural Engineering. James went on to work for Combustion Engineering (CE)/Asea Brown Boveri (ABB) for over 30 Years.

Those who knew Jim will remember his sense of humor. He was quick to make a joke and enjoyed laughing with family and friends.

A graveside service to honor James’s life will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, July 12 at Floral Hills East Memorial Gardens, 25203 E US Hwy 50, Lee's Summit, MO 64086. A celebration gathering will be held at Johnny’s Tavern, 1660 SE Blue Parkway, Lee’s Summit, MO 64063 immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to The PATH (Post-Acute Therapy and Health Fund) of St. Luke’s Hospital in memory of James Keener. Make checks payable to: St. Luke’s Hospital PATH Fund and mail to St. Luke’s Foundation, 901 East 104th St. Suite 100 S., Kansas City, Missouri 64131.

He will be dearly missed by all who knew him, and his memory will forever live on in the hearts of those he touched.