James H. (Jim) Keller   (1935 – 2025)

Jim passed away on March 28, 2025 in Naples, Florida surrounded by his family.  He was born December 5, 1935 in Evansville, IN where he spent the majority of his life.  He was educated at St. Benedict’s Grade School, Memorial High School, and the University of Evansville where he received a Bachelor’s Degree.  Shortly after high school graduation he joined Whirlpool as a “miscellaneous boy” in the tabulating department which introduced him to the field he stayed in for the rest of his working career.  Jim was one of the early computer programmers.  His love of systems and programming led him, after working for several companies in the field including Univac, to start his own company, JK Associates in 1978.  The company was incorporated in 1983 as Keller Schroeder and Associates.  He took immense pride in his company as it continues to thrive today.  He served as a trustee at the University of Evansville, a board member of Product Acceptance & Research (PAR) and Card Management Corporation during his career.  Jim’s leadership and vision left a lasting impact on the organizations he touched.

Jim was more than his career; he was a man of kindness, integrity and warmth.  He was a true gentleman to all that met him, known for his generous spirit and unwavering loyalty to his family and friends.  Jim was joyfully optimistic in his approach to life.  His high school singing quartet known as The Four Faces performed together again at their 60^th reunion drawing standing applause. He drew great pleasure from spending time with his golfing buddies in Evansville, IN, Walloon Lake, MI and Fort Myers, FL accumulating 5 holes in one over the years.  He particularly loved “the Monday Group” at Walloon Lake Country Club. Summers at Walloon Lake with family and friends coming to visit was a highpoint and Carmel, California, his destination of choice.

Jim’s life was filled with love and devotion to his family.  He was predeceased by his first wife of 41 years, Peggy Atkinson Keller, his beloved daughter, Sarah Anne Keller, his parents, Albert and Erma Keller, and his brother, Paul Keller along with Paul’s wife, Phyllis.  He leaves behind his cherished daughter, Gretchen Huff (Mike) his treasured grandson, Samuel Huff (fiancée Carly Ringlespaugh) and several nieces and nephews, all of whom will carry his legacy forward.

Later in life, Jim often spoke of how fortunate he was to find love again with his second wife, Marilyn Morrison Keller, whom he married in 2005.  With this marriage he received a second family.  It includes Marilyn, Kevin Wiegand (Caroline), Michael Wiegand (Kim) and Allison Macri (Ricky), Jennifer Murphy (PJ), John Murphy, Elizabeth Stecker (Sam) and Brooke Murphy (fiancé Jack Newtown).  Jim embraced them wholeheartedly as they did Jim.

A celebration of life will be held at the Walloon Lake Country Club on June 29 at 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Walloon Lake Trust and Conservancy, P.O. Box 579, Walloon Lake, MI 49796 or The University of Evansville, Office of University Advancement, 1800 Lincoln Avenue, Evansville, IN 47722.