1935
James William
2021
James William "Jim" Keyser, Sr.
November 5, 1935 — July 2, 2021
Abingdon, VA – James William “Jim” Keyser, Sr., age 85, born November 5, 1935, in Alleghany County, VA, passed on Friday, July 2, 2021, in Bristol Regional Medical Center.
Jim attended Greenbrier Military Institute in Lewisburg, WV. Following Greenbrier, he attended the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, VA where he excelled at playing football, receiving awards in 1956 for the All ACC first team and in 1957 he was awarded for being the top lineman in the State of Virginia. He continued on to play on a professional football team, the Montreal Alouettes in Montreal, Canada. Jim retired from Sears after 35 years of traveling, making memories, and meeting many wonderful friends and coworkers along the way.
He was passionate about working hard for the things you desire in life and was at one time nicknamed UVA’s “hardest working player”. He was dedicated to providing for his family and being an incredible, loving “Papaw” to all of his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Eddie Arnold Keyser, and Delma Fridley Neal Keyser; son, James William “Jimmy” Keyser, Jr.; infant granddaughter, Christi Lea Keyser; sisters, Pattie Keyser, and Ellen Keyser Stull; and brothers, Kenny Keyser and Edward Keyser.
He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Mildred Golden Keyser of Abingdon, VA; son, John Keyser of Sugar Grove, VA; grandchildren, Katlyn Keyser of Rural Retreat, VA, Samantha Handy and husband Tyler of Fort Campbell, KY, Leah Keyser of Sugar Grove, VA, Molly Keyser of Sugar Grove, VA, and Heather Keyser of Bridgeport, WV; great grandchildren, Kaylee May, Lucas Handy, and Bella Handy; special friends, Patty and Nikki Jackson; and many other close friends.
Honoring Jim’s request, a private memorial service will be held at a later date.
Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com and signing the online guest register.
The family of James William “Jim” Keyser, Sr. is being cared for by Farris Cremation and Funeral Center, 19415 Lee Highway, Abingdon, VA 24210, (276) 623-2700.
Jim attended Greenbrier Military Institute in Lewisburg, WV. Following Greenbrier, he attended the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, VA where he excelled at playing football, receiving awards in 1956 for the All ACC first team and in 1957 he was awarded for being the top lineman in the State of Virginia. He continued on to play on a professional football team, the Montreal Alouettes in Montreal, Canada. Jim retired from Sears after 35 years of traveling, making memories, and meeting many wonderful friends and coworkers along the way.
He was passionate about working hard for the things you desire in life and was at one time nicknamed UVA’s “hardest working player”. He was dedicated to providing for his family and being an incredible, loving “Papaw” to all of his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Eddie Arnold Keyser, and Delma Fridley Neal Keyser; son, James William “Jimmy” Keyser, Jr.; infant granddaughter, Christi Lea Keyser; sisters, Pattie Keyser, and Ellen Keyser Stull; and brothers, Kenny Keyser and Edward Keyser.
He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Mildred Golden Keyser of Abingdon, VA; son, John Keyser of Sugar Grove, VA; grandchildren, Katlyn Keyser of Rural Retreat, VA, Samantha Handy and husband Tyler of Fort Campbell, KY, Leah Keyser of Sugar Grove, VA, Molly Keyser of Sugar Grove, VA, and Heather Keyser of Bridgeport, WV; great grandchildren, Kaylee May, Lucas Handy, and Bella Handy; special friends, Patty and Nikki Jackson; and many other close friends.
Honoring Jim’s request, a private memorial service will be held at a later date.
Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com and signing the online guest register.
The family of James William “Jim” Keyser, Sr. is being cared for by Farris Cremation and Funeral Center, 19415 Lee Highway, Abingdon, VA 24210, (276) 623-2700.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James William "Jim" Keyser, Sr., please visit our flower store.
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