He was born in 1944 in LaSalle, Illinois to James Edmund and Jessie Rae Courtright (Pike).
The family moved from LaSalle to Phoenix, Arizona in 1947 so Keith (as he was known throughout his childhood) could breathe better in the hot desert climate. He succeeded in being an adventurous boy. He became a runner on the South Mountain High School track team setting records that held for years. After high school, he joined the Air Force and went to VietNam as a crew chief on B-52s with the 320th Bombardment Wing Heavy, Strategic Air Command. After four years of service, he used the GI Bill to attend and graduate from Northern Arizona University with a degree in Computer Information Systems. While at NAU he met his wife Susan Courtright and began a family having daughter Stacy and son Scott.
Jim worked in the insurance industry for many years but dedicated the last 10 years to Kiwanis International where he was the Director of Club Development for North America. It's here where Jim could shine and share his love for helping people and grow communities. Jim often commented that it wasn't work if you loved what you were doing, and he loved Kiwanis and “helping the children of the world.”
Jim, a/k/a as Mr Kiwanis, received his 50 year pin earlier this year. During those 50 years he held all the leadership offices at both local and district levels including Governor of the Southwest District.
Jim leaves his loving partner of 10 years Susan Ross, his daughter and son in law Stacy Courtright and Dave Hall, his son and daughter in law, Scott and Tonya Courtright and grandchildren Grant, Claire, Sydney, and Zoey. His wife Barbara Courtright (Heinzke) preceded him in death and he is survived by his step children Gary (wife Unmi and grand daughter Jasmine), Ashley (and grand daughter Alexia), and Brian (wife Madelynn) Heinzke are left behind.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday October 9, 2026, at American Lutheran Church located at 17200 N Del Webb Boulevard, Sun City, Arizona. This will be followed by light lunch. Internment will be at Sunland Memorial Park, 15826 N Del Webb Boulevard, Sun City, Arizona.
