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James (Jim) Robert McKeever, 79, of Billings, Montana, passed away at home on May 31, 2019, from a broken heart following the recent death of his wife, “Patsy,” of 60 years. He was born the youngest of 13 in Forsyth, Montana, on May 5, 1940, to Eugene and Hazel McKeever.
He attended local schools and graduated from Forsyth High School in 1958. He was co-captain of the football team and senior class president. He was active, outgoing, and gregarious.
In 1959, he married the love of his life, Patricia. They moved to Powell where he worked as a police officer. In his spare time, he also worked for Sitton Concrete. In 1972, he moved his family to Billings and started his own business, McKeever Concrete Products. After over 20 years, he sold the business.
In 1994, he went to work for Rimrock Trailways, where he drove bus for over 20 years until he retired to care for his wife until her death last March. He was a caring husband and dad, but he really loved being grandpa, Jim. He enjoyed his grandkids’ games, concerts, competitions, recitals, school programs, award ceremonies, birthday parties, buying their 4-H pig projects, driving the bus for their teams, dancing in the living room, early Christmas mornings and big family dinners. His biggest smiles were when his arms were around his family.
Jim was preceded in death by his treasured wife, Patricia; his parents Eugene and Hazel; his brothers Dan, Ray, Tom and Don McKeever; his sisters Helen Mouat and Peggy Hamlin; and infant daughter Kimberly.
He is survived by his sons Steve (Susan) and Mike (Julie Edney); former daughter in-law, Tanya McKeever; his sisters Jean Neyrinck, Pat (Bob) Miller, Kay Womack, Carol McKeever-Stevens, Vonnie Miller; his brother Jack (Em) McKeever; his grandkids Brian (Jesi) McKeever, Amy (Kris) Nelson, Sam (Suzanne) McKeever, Cody (Mandy) McKeever, Molly and Emily McKeever; as well as seven great-grandkids and many nieces, nephews, in-laws and friends.
Services will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 8, at City Church on the corner of Wicks and Lake Elmo in Billings.
