James Leslie Keating, from Wilmington, North Carolina, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on March 9, 2018.
Jim was born in Washington, DC on September 7, 1949. He was the second born of five children. As a child he lived in Clarksburg, West Virginia, Bainbridge, Maryland and Falls Church, Virginia before moving to ‘The Farm’ in Gainesville, Virginia in 1965. He served in the Army during the Vietnam War in 1971. Upon return he received his Bachelors degree in accounting from George Mason University. Jim was a CPA and Partner with the accounting firm, Matthews, Carter & Boyce, PC, for over 35 years, and most recently ran a real estate investment firm based out of Washington DC. He had a disciplined work ethic and took pride in it.
Above all else he loved his family and friends. Jim was our ‘Rock’. We all knew that he was the one we could call anytime we were struggling because he would show up every single time. “Family First” is what he would have said.
Jim’s deepest passion was being on the water aboard his boat “Reality” with his wife and first mate Chris. It is where he found joy and was happiest, especially if there was a grandkid helping him “drive” the boat.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Dr. James and Elynor Keating. He was a devoted husband to Christine Keating whom he met on August 1, 1999 and married on the same day in 2007. Father to Christine Mottram (Jamie), Stephen Keating, David Keating and Catie LaFlamme. Brother to Pat Stath (Lester), Tom Keating (Lori), Karen Wallace (Jerry) and Christine Lawrence. Papa to Elynor Grace, Miles Keating, Charlie James, Denver James and Mason Elias, and Uncle to many nieces and nephews.
We will always remember his boisterous laugh, the specific way he ordered a cocktail and his slightly out of tune rendition of Silent Night at Christmas. He will be missed.
A celebration of his life will be held on March 17, 2018 from 1-4 pm at Bluewater Grill, 4 Marina St, Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the Coast Guard Auxiliary Association or Step Up for Soldiers.
Please share memories and condolences with the Keating family by clicking “Post Condolence.” Arrangements are in the care of Coastal Cremations.
1 Comment
Hi Chris, Clorinda and I want to express our deepest condolences to you, Jim’s children, stepdaughter and his entire family on Jim’s passing. Sadly, he passed away too young and before he could truly enjoy his retirement life with you and his family. I had the pleasure of working with Jim for over 35 years and consider him a close friend. We will remember him as a fun-loving, honest, and easy going person that loved his family and enjoyed being on his boat. In business, I knew him as hard working and reliable partner who loved serving his clients, working with his partners and placed great pride in being part of MCB. Most of all, I will miss his laugh, optimism and spirit! May he rest in peace and hopefully be in boating heaven. Chris, if we can help you with anything, please do not hesitate to call us. With Fondness and Love, Olaf and Clorinda
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