James D. Keith

Mr. Keith died Saturday, September 7, 2019, at 8:28 a.m. in his home.  He was born April 8, 1949 in Hillsboro, Illinois and was the Son of James R. and Ada B. (Kershaw) Keith. He graduated from the Hillsboro High School with the Class of 1967.  After Graduation, he was employed as an Offsett Pressman & Type Setter for the House of Sunshine in Litchfield, IL where he met his wife, Sandra (Sandy) Parnell. They were married on Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 1968 in the First Baptist Church of Litchfield.

A Celebration of Life Service for James (Jim) D Keith, 70, of Litchfield, will be held on September 21, 2019, 1:00 p.m. at the New Hope Baptist Church in Litchfield.  Rev. Roy Eller will be officiating.  Friends may call Wednesday, September 11, 2019 from 11:00 to 1:00 at Plummer Funeral Home in Litchfield.  A private Graveside Service will be held at the Cedar Ridge Cemetery in Honey Bend. Memorials can be directed to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and Shriner’s Hospital for Children in St. Louis, Mo.

He served 2 years in the U.S. Army and graduated from Basic training at Ft. Leonard Wood, Mo. in April, 1969. He was then stationed at Ft. Knox, Kentucky serving as an Offset Pressman printing military books and documents until being discharged in 1971. 

Upon being discharged from the Army in 1971, he was employed 43 years as a Pressman and Typesetter for the Litchfield News Herald until his retirement April, 2014.

Mr. Keith had been a member of First Baptist Church of Litchfield since 1971 serving as a Preschool and Children's Sunday School Teacher. In 2016, he moved his church membership to the New Hope Baptist Church of Litchfield.

He was a devoted fan of the Chicago Cubs and "win or lose" remained a faithful fan! During baseball season, you would always hear him saying “Go Cubs Go"!  In his earlier years, he coached his Son's T-Ball and Little League Teams. He enjoyed going to his Grandchildren's school and sports activities and taking them on road trips in the summer. He loved spending time with family and friends and especially taking road trips with friends.

He is survived by his Wife of 50 years, Sandra K. Keith, a Son, Christopher James Keith, Daughter In Law, Stacey L. Keith, Grandchildren, Brentleigh Elyse Keith and Brody James Keith, all of Alton; Sister, Janice Gorsage and husband Doug of Maryville; Mother In Law, Margie Parnell of Litchfield; Brother In Law, Allen Parnell of Warrensburg; Sisters In Law, Tina Keith of Denver, Colorado, Donna Price and husband Tim of Staunton and several Nieces and Nephews.

Preceding him in death were his Parents, James R. and Ada B. Keith, Grandparents, John S. and Agnes R. Keith, Leroy and Minnie Kershaw.  A Brother, Terry L. Keith, Father in Law, Donald Parnell, Sister in Law, Patsy Parnell and a Great Niece, Allison Gorsage.

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