James (Jeff) Jeffrey Keith 1957-2026 It is with heavy hearts that the family of James (Jeff) Jeffrey Keith announces his passing on January 8, 2026, after a brief illness. Though we had to say goodbye too soon, we are thankful that Jeff passed peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family.

Jeff is survived by his ever-loving wife, Lori Keith; his daughter Jennifer Wiebe (Keith) and her husband Jonathan; his beloved grandchildren Joel and Joseph; his “best sister ever,” Beth Keith-Smith, and her husband Paul; his nieces Hilary Smith, Erin Melanson, and Katie Delaney; his mother-in-law Cynthia Page; and his special great-niece Ellie Melanson, along with several cousins and aunts. Jeff was predeceased by his parents, Joy and Jim Keith; his daughter Jillian Keith, who passed away in 2006; as well as his father-in-law Walter Page and sister-in-law Kimberly Melanson.

Jeff was a relationship builder in every sense of the word. He took great pride and genuine enjoyment in his long career in management and sales, where connecting with people mattered most to him. He believed that customer-centricity, respect, and strong relationships were at the heart of meaningful work. His career spanned organizations including Xerox, HP, OpenText, Carbon 60 and Cirrus 9, prior to his retirement in 2023.

To know Jeff was to laugh with him. He was famous for telling outlandish stories around the dinner table, keeping everyone in stitches. He had a taste for the finer things—especially fast cars—but was never far from his Red Head Road roots, where he grew up with the “Midwood Avenue Gang.” He loved playing hockey, baseball and developed an early love of hunting and fishing.

Jeff was a notoriously good storyteller. He often regaled family and friends with stories of growing up and getting into mischief. Despite his extracurricular adventures, he was well known for his intelligence and quick wit—traits that served him both personally and professionally.

Over their 25 years together, Jeff and Lori traveled to many destinations. Closer to home, they enjoyed trips to Maine and to visit his American family in Massachusetts. On sunny days, Jeff and Lori would drive outside the city to enjoy a lobster roll by the sea.

In summers past, Jeff could be found at Bald’s Lake Fishing Camp or at Westfield Golf and Country Club. On Sundays, he worshipped at RiverCross Church, where he was an engaged and faithful member of the congregation.

Jeff found meaning in his post-retirement years by volunteering at the RiverCross mission, meeting with his Life Group friends and by being a member of the YMCA.

Jeff’s loved ones will always remember his big smile, easy laugh and the way he made each person feel special. He will be immeasurably missed, and they take comfort in knowing that, as a man of deep faith, he is now reunited with Jillian, Joy, and Jim—once again sharing stories and treats around the table.

Over the last two months of his life, Jeff was cared for by the wonderful staff at the Saint John Regional Hospital. Jeff’s family appreciates the care, companionship, and comfort brought by the nurses in 3C North—they went above and beyond what a family could hope for.

Arrangements are entrusted to Castle Funeral Home, 309 Lancaster Avenue where a visitation will be held on Monday, January 12, 2026 from 3pm to 6pm. A Funeral Service will be held at RiverCross Church, 61 Forbes Drive (off Millidge Avenue) on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 11 am, followed by a burial at Cedar Hill - Greenwood Cemetery, Sand Cove Road and then directly on to Castle Funeral Home for a reception.

The funeral proceedings can be accessed both live and at a later date by copying the following link:

https://www.youtube.com/@rivercrosschurchsaintjohn

For those who wish, donations, (in lieu of flowers) may be made to RiverCross Church Build Fund, Parkinson Canada or the charity of your choice.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” - 2 Timothy 4:7