James McKeon

Jim McKeon, 65, died Wednesday, September 18, 2024, in Omaha, Nebraska. He was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2018 and passed away after a stroke.

A celebration of life will be on Friday, October 4, 2024, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Gail & Michael Yanney Pavilion in Kearney, Nebraska.

 Jim was born on June 14, 1959, in Loup City, Nebraska to Eva and Harold McKeon. He attended high school in Ravenna, Nebraska and graduated in 1977. He attended Hastings Tech for one year. He married his high school sweetheart, Renae Musil, on June 23, 1979. The couple was married for 45 years. He was a devoted husband and loved Renae through those years.

Jim took a job with Nebraska Public Power District in 1979 and spent his entire career with NPPD working up from a tree trimmer and lineman to distribution superintendent. 

Jim was known to be a jokester and always loved making people laugh. His goofy, witty sense of humor was engaging and one of the best parts of his personality. His grandsons, lovingly referred to as “the boys,” were a highlight in his life and he enjoyed doing “the claw” while running around with them. His easygoing attitude made it so that “everyone loves Jim,” easily making friends wherever he went. He also enjoyed watching sports, specifically Husker football, and he patiently coached his kids’ sports teams while they were growing up.

Jim was hardworking and couldn’t sit still around the house—he was constantly finding “projects” to work on. Jim loved the pets the family had over the years, going from originally believing dogs should be outside only to having them sleep in the bed and lovingly brushing their husky daily. Survivors include his wife, Renae; daughter, Amber McKeon-Mueller, and her husband, Matt, of Austin, TX; son, Chris McKeon, and his wife, Kali, of Omaha, NE; grandsons, Laiken, Lane, and Lachlan of Omaha, NE; father, Harold McKeon; brothers, Mick and Tom; and sisters, Colette Sklenar, Colleen McKeon, and Maureen Hunsberger. 

 He was preceded in death by his mother, Eva McKeon; brothers, Dale and Anthony; and sister, Patricia.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be sent to a local animal shelter or animal rescue.