JAMES LLOYD KEYS, JR. (The Bubble Gum Man)
September 25, 1930 – March 3, 2013
James Lloyd Keys, Jr., age 82, died Sunday, March 3, 2013 at his home in Helena. He is survived by his wife Dorothy, his daughters Julie and Margaret, son-in-law Michael, grandchildren Jaime and Jonathan, and great granddaughter Charlotte.
Jim was born to James Lloyd Keys, Sr. and his wife, Anna Mary Kockler Keys, in Helena, MT on September 25, 1930. In 1942, the family moved to California, where he spent the next 50 years, going to school while working part time, spending four years in the Navy, graduating from college (University of Southern California) and finally making a living as a Deputy L.A. County Probation Officer. He and Dorothy were married in Glendale, CA in 1965. When Jim retired, he was able to “return to Heaven” when he and his wife moved back to Montana.
Jim was a member of the Sons and Daughters of Montana Pioneers, the Marysville Pioneers, the NRA, and a lifetime member of the American Legion. His love of guns remained with him until his death.
A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 15, 2013 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A reception will follow the service in the social hall at the funeral home. Burial with military honors will follow the reception at Resurrection Cemetery. Memorials in Jim’s name are suggested to American Diabetes Association or to St. Peter’s Hospital Foundation. Please visit below to offer the family condolences or share a memory of Jim.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday March 15, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following Service
Friday March 15, 2013
Banquet Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Interment
Following Reception
Friday March 15, 2013
Military Honors at Resurrection Cemetery
3700 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday March 15, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following Service
Friday March 15, 2013
Banquet Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Interment
Following Reception
Friday March 15, 2013
Military Honors at Resurrection Cemetery
3700 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
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Terri and Chuck Paske says
Dear Friend, we were so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Chuck always enjoyed their visits. We will always remember him when we see bubble gum. Praying you find comfort, peace and strength for the days ahead. Love you- Go in Faith! Terri
Teresa Lightbody says
What a gentleman! His smile, his stories and his neverending stash of bubble gum will be missed! Peace be with all of you! Teresa
Barbara and Jon Rush says
Jim was such a nice man. We remember when he sat out in front of K mart with us trying to get a constitutional initiative passed. He was always kind and had a nice sense of humor. We will miss him. Barbara and Jon Rush
Anne and Steve Moser and Family says
Dorothy, Julie, Margaret, Jaime, Jonathan and Michael — Words can not express our sorrow at hearing of Jimmy’s passing. I sat last night remembering Jim’s silliness with his cannon on Fourth of July, the fun times in the pool here in La Crescenta, camping with the Keys family, shooting at tin cans, the rivalry between the USC’ers and the UCLA’ers (my folks and the Jimmy). We send to all of our our truly heartfelt sympathies and please know that we have each and everyone of you in our thoughts and prayers. We are so sad over this news.
Tom and Judy Rolfe says
Dear Dorothy,
We are so sorry for your loss. Please know that we are thinking of you at this difficult time and keep you in our prayers. Jim was a man of principal and common sense, his insights on life will be missed. Please know that we care.
Mary and Daryal Gant says
Dearest Dorothy – Daryal and I send our love and know that the loss of Jim is very difficult for you as it is for Margaret and Michael as, living close-by was a choice they made to be with you two. Also, our sympathy to Julie, Jamie, Jonathan and Charlotte as we know Jim loved all of you dearly. We feel very fortunate that your family was so much a part of our lives for many years, we have fond memories.
Jim Baldridge says
Dorothy, I am very sorry to hear of your loss. You and Jim seemed like such a great match. He was definitely a character for the few times we met and visited. My best to you and your family as you work your way through all the good times.
Eric and Jan Archer says
We are so sad to hear of Jim’s passing. He was a great friend to all of us especially my parents, Joe and Noemi. I know they are now keeping each other company. We have fond memories of the gatherings on Cross Street, his plaid shirts, suspenders, pipe and eagerness to show us his latest find. We know you will all miss him dearly and pray that you will find comfort in the wonderful memories you all have of him.
Clyde and Lynnette Smith says
What an unforgettable fellow….Jim always had a twinkle in his eye and a little grin whenever he would tease Dorothy. Their hospitality was always very pleasurable and appreciated. Many of his stories will never be forgotten and I’m sure I will be happy to pass them on. We were all so very blessed to have known him and I’m sure his memories will bring alot of smiles for years to come.
Norma Bowman says
Dorothy, I just heard about Jim’s passing. My thoughts are with you and the family. Bill liked Jim very much. wish we could have been neighbors longe. Best wishes to yo. Normar