“The Day You were Born…the World Became a Happier Place.”
James Edward O’Keefe Sr., the youngest of 7 children, grew up in Dogtown, St. Louis Missouri. Son of Gertrude (Shaw) and Emmett Joseph O’Keefe.
Dear brother of the late Emmett O’Keefe, Elizabeth Vogel, Mary Jane Eggleston, and Kathleen Stumpf
Survived by his sister Peggy Placke and brother Mike (Susie) O’Keefe.
Jim died peacefully at home on October 30th surrounded by family. He was 78 years old.
Beloved best friend and spouse of 58 years to Barbara (Calcaterra) O’Keefe. Jim & Barb met 63 years ago in Florissant, Missouri.
Dedicated father to Jim (Heather) O’Keefe Jr, Joe (Nicole) O’Keefe, and Catherine (Craig) O’Keefe Clark.
A cherished Paw Paw to his 10 grandchildren: Owen, Patrick, Caroline, Finnegan, Olivia, Emma, Audrey, Reese, Harper, and Chloe.
The owner and CEO of J.E. O’Keefe & Associates, he was a successful and well-respected Wholesale Food Broker.
Jim’s contagious smile, his gentle selfless spirit, and strong quiet presence will be missed by everyone who knew and loved him.
SERVICES: Visitation (9-11 am) and Memorial Mass (11 am) will be held at on December 19th, 2023, at St. James the Greater Catholic Church in Dogtown.
Jim generously donated his body to the Saint Louis University School of Medicine.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to BJC Siteman Cancer Center.
Jim was a GREAT guy and did have that “contagious” smile and “soft” voice that made you feel “welcomed” into his world. God Bless and say HI to Carol.
Catherine, our deepest sympathies to you and your family. May your loving memories help sustain you in the loss of our father.
I was on this site looking at the posting of the wife of a Vietnam Veteran of our VVA Chapter 1028 and stumbled upon Mr O’Keefe’s name. I thought, could it be the same Jimmy I knew as a kid growing up in Dogtown. Sadly, it was. It’s been decades since I saw Jimmy as I was the classmate of his brother Mike. I was on the same Junior bowling team with Mike at the Arena and we were friends since we were very young boys. I’m sorry to all his family and friends for your loss of Jimmy and am sure he will bring some joy to those he knows in the Heavens. May he rest in peace.
We will always cherish our friendship with Jim and Barb.
Jim is one of the most gentle yet strong persons I have known. We shared a love of nature and the water at Anthonies Mill. We have good memories of our times together.