James L. Keene

James L. “Jim” Keene, age 82, of Johnson City, Tennessee, passed away on Wednesday, May 27, 2020, at the Johnson City Medical Center.

Jim was born in Johnson City, Tennessee to the late Robert and Georgia Helen Keene.

Jim retired as a proud United States Army Veteran Chief Warrant Officer 4 after serving 36 years of dedicated service. He served several tours of duty in Vietnam, Thailand, France, Germany, Korea, Egypt, and Guatemala in which he was awarded numerous medals such as the National Defense Service Medal, Conduct Medal, Army Commendation Medal (4th Oak Leaf Cluster), Bronze Star Medal (2d Oak Leaf Cluster), Air Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (3rd Oak Leaf Cluster), Vietnam Technical Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, and Humanitarian Service Medal.

Jim also served as Chief Supervisor for the City of Johnson City Motor Transport Department, retiring after fourteen years of outstanding service.

He was a Trustee at First Free Will Baptist Church and was a 32nd degree Mason and a loyal member of the Gideons.

Left to cherish his memory is his loving and devoted wife of 63 years, Georgia Mae Keene; son, Randy Keene and wife Torey Keene, of Athens, Georgia; grandchildren, Robert Keene and wife Jenna Keene, of Watkinsville, Georgia, Jackson Keene of Brookhaven, Georgia, Jennifer Strete and husband Alex Strete of Madison, Alabama; and great grandchildren Christian Lichtenauer of Nashville, Tennessee, Ashley Lichtenauer and Matthew Lichtenauer of Madison, Alabama.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the entire staff of Lakebridge for their loving care and friendship.

The family of James Keene requests the honor of your presence at his funeral service on Sunday, May 31, 2020, at Morris-Baker Funeral Home. The service will start at 2:30 PM with Pastor Tony Trott officiating. The chapel will open to the public at 2:00 PM.

A graveside service will be conducted the following day, Monday, June 1, 2020, at Roselawn Memory Gardens. The service will begin at 10:30 AM, attendees are asked to gather at the graveside by 10:20 AM. Pastor Tony Trott will officiate, with pallbearers to be selected from family and friends.

Those who wish to make donations in lieu of flowers may donate to: First Free Will Baptist Church, P.O. Box 444, Johnson City, Tennessee 37601.

For those who cannot attend in person, a stream of the service will be available on Jim's tribute page at morrisbaker.com. Everyone who wishes to attend is asked to wear a mask or facial covering and practice social distancing to current public health and safety guidelines.