James Bernard Keese

James Bernard Keese, age 83, of Shelbyville, Tennessee, passed away on March 7, 2026, at his home.

Born on March 10, 1942, in Cullman, Alabama, James was the son of the late James Ottis Keese and Nollie Christine Williams. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, David Keese; sisters, Nollie Grace Keese and Shirley Faye Keese; and nephew, Tony Leonard.

Raised in Cullman, James later moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where he attended Silvan High School. At seventeen, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving five years before continuing his military service in the U.S. Army for four more years. He then built a long career as a boilermaker with Norfolk Southern while earning his bachelor’s degree from Kennesaw State University. After retiring in 2002, he moved to Chattanooga, Tennessee, to care for his sister, and later settled in Shelbyville. James found joy in fishing, golfing, and writing stories. In his younger years, he also loved diving, swimming, and auto racing. A man of deep faith, he was a longtime member of Oak Level Baptist Church in Cullman, Alabama.

He is survived by his children, James “Jamie” G. Keese of Villa Rica, Georgia, Carl J. (Erica) Keese of White, Georgia, and Madia (Mike) Lapa of East Port, Maine; grandchildren, Michael Hutton, Casey Keese, Sadie Keese, Braylan Shepard, Haley Keese, and Taylor Keese; four great-grandchildren; and his brother, Michael G. Keese of Alabama.