James Keefner Sr., 76, of Great Barrington died Wednesday October 5, 2016 at Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield. James was born in Housatonic on November 13, 1939 son of Benjamin and Dora (Race) Keefner. James worked for John B. Hull as an oil burner technician for 30 years. He was a handyman and master-of-all-trades. He built his home in 1964. James also enjoyed hunting and fishing.
James is survived by his loving wife and soul-mate of 57 years, Viola “Pat” (Hankey) Keefner; one son, James “Mike” Keefner Jr., and his wife Jan of Hillsdale, N.Y.; one daughter, Cynthia Keefner of East Canaan, Conn.; two brothers, Donald Keefner and his wife Diane of Lee and Tom Keefner and his wife Pat of Great Barrington; one sister, Helen Hankey of Great Barrington; two grandchildren, Whitney and Kayla, and one great grandson, Kamdin.
James was predeceased by one son, Wayne Keefner; four brothers, Harold, Joseph, Clifford and Dave Keefner; one sister, Eleanor Hamling and one granddaughter, Tricia.
A graveside service for James Keefner Sr. will be held on Saturday, October 8 at 11 a.m. at Elmwood Cemetery in Great Barrington. In lieu of flowers expressions of sympathy in James’ memory may be made to the American Cancer Society in care of the BIRCHES-ROY FUNERAL HOME, 33 South St., Great Barrington MA 01230. Condolences may be made through birchesroyfuneralservices.com.
