Biography
James “Jim” Macy Keagy June 18, 1953 – August 27, 2025
James “Jim” Keagy, devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, and faithful servant of Christ, passed away on August 27th, 2025 at the age of 72. His life was marked by curiosity, compassion, and a deep commitment to family and faith.
Jim was born in Peoria, Illinois, on June 18, 1953, to Vernon, a salesman, and Mary Anne, a musician. As the oldest of three siblings, Jim embraced adventure early in life. The Keagy family moved often due to Vernon’s work, living in Market Heights, Illinois, and Newtington, Connecticut, before relocating to Europe from 1962 to 1966. During those years, Jim attended international schools in Frankfurt, Germany, and Geneva, Switzerland, and traveled with his family to over 15 European countries—often camping in scenic locations that sparked his lifelong love of exploration.
Jim attended Morton High School, where he ran track and cross country, setting records in the mile. He sang in the New World Singers, a church youth choir, and was active in the Boy Scouts. His academic strengths in math and science led him to pursue a degree in chemistry at Western Illinois University. He later earned his M.B.A. from Loyola University in Chicago, working multiple jobs to support his education and growing family.
Jim met Cindy at a VFW dance during their senior year of high school. Drawn to his good looks and charming personality, Cindy continued to date Jim through college, exchanging letters and weekend visits. They were married on June 7, 1975, at Bethel Lutheran Church in Morton, Illinois, and honeymooned in Alabama and Florida before settling in the Chicago suburbs.
Jim and Cindy welcomed daughters Karen (1978) and Melinda (1979) before moving to St. Peters, Missouri, in 1981, where they joined Dardenne Presbyterian Church. Their son Paul was born in 1984, and in 2005, their hearts were opened to adoption, welcoming Marjorie into their family.
Jim spent 37 years working in sales for Thermo Fisher Scientific, marketing chromatography systems to labs across the western United States. He enjoyed meeting new people, traveling, and demonstrating equipment that advanced research and education. His work reflected both his technical expertise and his gift for connection.
Outside of work, Jim was deeply involved in his children’s lives—coaching soccer, selling snowcones for fundraising, and even impersonating Elvis. He served faithfully at Dardenne Presbyterian Church as a deacon, cook for Wednesday night dinners, youth group volunteer, and participant in Restore St. Charles. After a mission trip to Haiti, Jim became passionate about water purification ministry, sharing the message of “living water” and the hope found in Christ with people of all ages and backgrounds.
In retirement, Jim continued to serve others, assisting special needs students with transportation in the Wentzville School District. He found joy in music, meals with loved ones, and watching his grandchildren play—often delighting them with his signature puns and jokes.
Jim will be remembered for his heart for people, his love of service, and his easy-going spirit. He lived out the call to “make disciples of all nations,” giving generously of his time, talents, and treasure to support ministries near and far. He was always ready to lend a hand, share a laugh, or offer encouragement. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the family he cherished, and the faith he lived out with quiet strength.
He is survived by his wife Cindy, children Karen, Melinda, Paul, and Marjorie, grandchildren Mason, Payton, Izzy, Toby, Annabeth, Lilyanne, Gabby, Isaiah, and Caleb, siblings Denita and Larry, and many extended family members and friends.
A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at Dardenne Presbyterian Church on September 4th at 10am and a following time of fellowship with lunch in the Christian Life Center.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to assist with funeral expenses.