James "Jim" Keitz

James Alexander Keitz, born on April 16, 1945, known to many as Jim, Jimbo, Keitzee, passed away peacefully following a brief illness, just days after celebrating his 80th birthday.

Jim lived a life marked by undying love for his beautiful wife, Sharon, dedication to his family, his faith, and his community, and of course his die-hard dedication to his OSU Cowboys. He was preceded in death by Sharon, his parents Betty Keitz Yeakel and Raymond Harley Keitz, and two brothers, Hank Keitz and Craig Keitz.

Jim is survived by his two daughters, Tiffany Keitz “Wookie Woman” and Alee Harrold “Alee Bob”, his son-in-law Josh Harrold, and his treasured grandsons Spencer and Gage. He also leaves behind his brothers Chris and David Keitz, and his sister Karen Keitz Lawler “Rose Bud”. Jim was a proud uncle to 17 nieces and nephews, all of whom were deeply impacted by his steady presence. Some of the fondest memories of the Keitz family and its extended members include Christmas at Jim and Sharon‘s house, which Jim continued in tradition as long as possible after Sharon‘s passing...

A graduate of Oklahoma State University with a degree in business, Jim was a lifelong and avid Cowboy fan and active alumnus, with many activities and time including his favorite, years of season tickets to countless football games where he was a steadfast presence to wildly cheer on his beloved Pokes. He was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity and a recipient of the A.B. Mayor Alcott Award, presented in 2012 by the Oklahoma Beta alumni. He remained a life member of the OSU Alumni Association and the Posse Club.

After college, Jim served as a captain in the U.S. Army, stationed in Panama. Upon completing his tour of duty, he and Sharon returned to Oklahoma City, where he began his career in insurance by founding Keitz and Associates, Inc., where he officed with his father. He later joined Messer Bowers Company, where he worked faithfully until the end of his life. Jim was a former president of the Independent Insurance Agents Association of Oklahoma City and proudly served the insurance community since 1969.

Jim was a devoted lifelong member of Christ the King Catholic Church, where he served as an usher for many years. He also enjoyed coaching Little League football and baseball in his younger years, coaching several of his brother Chris’ and daughter’s youth teams with the same integrity and encouragement he brought to every part of his life. He was and is still lovingly referred to by many as "Coach Keitz" to the present day.

Jim will be remembered for his strength, loyal friendships, deep faith, and unwavering love for his family. His legacy lives on in the lives of those he guided, served, and loved.

Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Jim’s life will be at Christ the King Catholic Church at 10 am, Monday, April 28th.

In lieu of flowers donations to Christ the King Catholic Church, American Cancer Society, and/or Transitions Hospice, Footprints Foundation 6310 East 102nd Street Tulsa, OK 74137