James Keith

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James “Jim” Elbert Keith passed away on November 15, 2023, at Ascension St Vincent Anderson after an extended illness. He was born September 6, 1944, in Birmingham, AL. Jim was the son of Elbert Manton Keith and Rose Gaye (Wampler) Keith, and brother to Linda Faye (Keith) Runyan (Malcolm), Springville AL, who preceded him in death.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Gaye Dean (Livingston) Keith of Anderson; step-sons, Rex Blackwell (Lorna), of Ft Wayne, IN, and Ronald Blackwell (Jill) of Williamsport, IN; sister Patricia Ann (Keith) Gordon (Wayne) of Anderson; sisters-in-law, Jenny Schweiger (Ruben) Anderson, and Ann Hawkins, Barryton, MI; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Jim was a graduate of Woodlawn High School, Birmingham, AL in 1962 and Anderson College (University) in 1967. He served in the United States Army Reserves for six years.

Jim retired from General Motors, Delco Remy, Anderson, IN 1992, after 28 years in Plant Security. He began his career as an elevator operator in Plant 1 and rose to Chief of Plant Security. He then became the Director of Security liaison for GM/Securitas in Detroit, retiring in 2008.
He and Gaye returned to Anderson to be close to children, grandchildren, and family.

Jim was an avid fan of the Cincinnati Reds and the Alabama “Roll Tide” football team. He loved the Indiana countryside and enjoyed long drives on backroads with Gaye looking for local eating places.

The family wishes to express their deep gratitude to the Ascension St. Vincent Infusion Center in Anderson for their love and care for Jim. During his many visits there, while his circumstances were dire, he observed others who were there at a difficult time, and in a message to his grandchildren, he said, “If you have the opportunity to brighten someone’s day, please do.”

Anderson University is on a mission to educate students for lives of faith and service, offering more than 60 undergraduate majors, 30 three-year degrees, 20 NCAA Division III intercollegiate sports, alongside adult and graduate programs. The private, liberal arts institution is fully accredited and recognized among top colleges for its business, computer science, cybersecurity, dance, engineering, nursing, and teacher education programs. Anderson University was established in 1917 in Anderson, Indiana, by the Church of God.