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James Brendan Keogh Obituary

Brought to you by Williams-Kampp Funeral Home

James Brendan Keogh

Wheaton, IL

February 8, 1932 - January 8, 2021

James Brendan Keogh Obituary

Please click on the link to view Mass via Livestream: https://youtu.be/o0taqUYBDFE James Brendan Keogh (Jim) age 88, beloved husband, brother, father and grandfather, peacefully passed away with family by his side on January 8, 2021. He was the son of Irish immigrants Julia and John Keogh and was raised in Malden, Massachusetts. He is survived by his loving children Kathi (Rick) Baker, Jim (Laura), John (Jill), Frank, Diane, Stephen (Kelly), Kevin, Michael (Elizabeth), and his adoring grandchildren Jordan and Dakota Baker; Colin, Ryan and Shane Keogh; Kelly and Michael Keogh; Jack and Karson Keogh; Patrick and Olivia Keogh; and Caroline, Margaret and Emily Keogh. Jim is also survived by his brother William (Helen) Keogh and sister Sheila Zimmerman. Jim was preceded in death by his wife June, his cherished grandson Austin Baker, and his siblings Christopher, Frank, Richard, Robert, and John. Jim was a resident of Wheaton and a parishioner of St. Michael’s Church for 46 years. Jim graduated from the University of New Hampshire where he played football and hockey. He was a US Army Airborne Ranger and retired a US Army Reserve Lieutenant Colonel. His professional career included executive roles at Sears and Goldblatt’s, and for his final 20 years in business he was president of his own executive search firm. While he enjoyed his work, his true passion was football officiating. He began officiating in 1962. He was associated with the Big Ten Conference for nearly 30 years serving as an on field official, tv liaison, technical advisor and finally an instant replay official. He worked in some capacity at 23 college bowl games. He also did scouting for the NFL, CFL, and Arena Football League and served as the supervisor of officials for 45 colleges across five conferences in Illinois, Iowa, Michigan and Wisconsin. He received the Herm Rohrig Award (1992), was elected to the Chicago Football Officials Hall of Fame (1993), received the All-American Football Foundation Butch Lambert Award (1998), the Chicago Officials Association’s Tom Quinn Award (1999) and Ellie Hasen Award (2004), and the inaugural David M. Parry Award (2012). Among his greatest pleasures was when another official would say to one of his children “your Dad gave me my first college refereeing assignment.” Many of the refs he mentored would go on to officiate in major college conferences and the NFL; and reach the pinnacle of working the BCS National Championship game and/or the Super Bowl. His warmth, generosity, and friendliness (not his driving) was experienced in all his interactions to many dear dear friends. Visitation will be held from 5:30pm to 9:00pm on Sunday, January 10 and the Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00am on Monday, January 11. Both will take place at St. Michael’s Church, 310 S Wheaton Ave, Wheaton, IL 60187. All social distancing measures, including wearing masks, to be followed. Burial to follow at St. Michael’s Cemetery. Memorial gifts may be made to St. Michael’s Church & School. Info @ www.williams-kampp.com or (630) 668-0016. Please click on the link to view Mass via Livestream: https://youtu.be/o0taqUYBDFE

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Event information can be found on the Official Obituary of James Brendan Keogh.