Obituary

  James Keefe, who is past eighty years old fell at his home, south of Corning, last Friday and as a result is suffering from a broken hip. At Mr. Keefe's age the injury is quite serious. Mr. Keefe was taken to a hospital in Omaha, accompanied by a trained nurse, who … returned Monday evening. The X-Ray pictures revealed a very serious break.
(Adams County Free Press, Saturday, January 21, 1937)

James J. Keefe Died Tuesday, May 11th

  The death of James J. Keefe which occurred May 11 at 12:15 a. m. following the serious accident last January when he fell at his home and suffered a fractured hip. Mr. Keefe has been a patient sufferer since that time and has been tenderly cared for at his home, until death ended his suffering. Immediately after his fall he was taken to Omaha and placed in a hospital with the hope that something could be done, but was returned to his home when it was found that his case was hopeless. He declined rapidly and suffered intensely during his long illness during which time he was confined to his bed.
  James J. Keefe, son of James and Elizabeth Haggerty Keefe was born December 11th, 1857 at St. Louis, Mo. When an infant he came to Iowa with his parents locating at Bankston, Dubuque county. When he was 13 years old his family moved to Adams county and located on the farm six miles south of Corning where Mr. Keefe died and where he had lived continuously, for 67 years. He loved every inch of the farm which was the old homestead, his interests throughout life being his church, his family and his work.
  He was married to Mary Conroy at Lenox, Iowa, October 11, 1892 and the young man and his bride moved into the Keefe home with his widowed mother. To them were born eight children, all of whom are living except one daughter, Sister Mary Pauline who died in 1915, at Ottumwa, Iowa. The living children are: Mrs. Johanna Walsh, Wymore, Nebr.; Mrs. Elizabeth Keller, Dubuque, Ia.; Mrs. Nora Greenwood, Farley, Ia.; Mrs. Theresa Moore, Mt. Etna, Ia.; Francis at Omaha and James and Bernice at home. A twin sister, Mrs. Johanna McDonald died a year ago and a brother William passed away six years ago, the last of his immediate family. Besides his children he is survived by five granddaughters and four grandsons. Mrs. Keefe died in 1933. Mr. Keefe was 80 years and 5 months old.
  Mr. Keefe was the personification of patience and gentleness. His life centered about his church, his loved ones and his work. His loyalty to his religion has been a shining example of Christian fidelity, his affiliation to the institution dating back to infancy. He was reared in the faith and clung to it to the end of a long life well lived. His family adored him and his neighbors gave him the deepest respect and sincere love. His stability in evidenced by his long residence in the county and on the farm of his childhood. His was an admirable character and the community mourns with the loved ones in the passing of this pioneer resident.
  Funeral services were held from the St. Patrick Catholic church Thursday morning at 9:30 conducted by the Rev. Father M. J. Powers. Burial was made in the Calvary cemetery. The children were all present for the funeral to follow their father to his last resting place.
(Adams County Free Press, Thursday, May 13, 1937)