Leo High School Family Mourns the Loss of Jim McKeever -Leo '54

From Leo Alumni President Rich Furlong:

Date: Thursday, February 4, 2010, 3:37 PM


It is with profound sorrow that I need to inform you of the death of Jim McKeever '54. Jim was as loyal of a Leo man as I ever had the pleasure of knowing. He is irreplaceable here on earrth but a big addition to the Leo Alumni Association in heaven. Jim was a great Leo Man, a wonderful friend, a most loyal White Sox fan (for which I have forgiven him) and a wonderful family man. He will be missed.

The wake will be at Blake Lamb Funeral Home at 103rd and Cicero on Monday at 2-9 p.m. For as many of you for which it will be convenient I would like to meet in the lobby at 7 p.m. and do an alumni walk thru. There will be a funeral mass on Tuesday morning at 10 a.m. at Queen of Martyrs 103rd and Central Park ave.

Rich

Leo Man, Sox Fan, Grand Catholic Gentleman Jim McKeever ( Leo '54) Mend Quickly

Photo by John Konstantaras/Chicago News Cooperative

Few people on earth have more wit, heart and happiness than Mr. James McKeever. He should be happy - he's married to Peggy.

Jim McKeever has been the leading voice of the Leo High School Fight Song for as long as I can rememeber - with a nod to the estimable pipes of Mr. Gene Earner of course.

Jim McKeever helped Leo Men the late E. Michael Kelly and Illinois Supreme Court Justice Thomas Fitzgerald put White Sox great Nelson Fox in the Baseball Hall of Fame and spoearhead the efforts to the same for Billy Pierce.

Jim McKeever, Leo 1954, is Veteran and civic leader. He has helped White Sox Owner Jerry Reinsdorf indentify needy families and causes for charitable support, like the Kevin Dowling Scholarship Program.

Jim McKeever has attended nearly every White Sox Opening Day and is present at every hospital sick bed, wake, family benefit and Leo Meeting within his abilities to make an appearance.

Leo Alumni President Rich Furlong just informed me that Jim McKeever had a bad fall and that he is in Holy Cross Hospital in recovery. The thoughts and prayers and of the Hickey Family merge with the massive Leo High School Family for Jim McKeever's speedy return to his active and important life.


Jim McKeever, Séamas Mac Íomhair Abu!, Facta Non Verba!, Eamus O Tibliala!Alba*!

* Jim McKeever, Up and At 'Em! - Deeds Not Words! Let's Go White Sox!