Obituary for James O'Keeffe
James O’Keeffe, 45, of Rutherford, passed away suddenly Friday January 7, 2022. He was born to Richard and Margaret (nee Jordano) O’Keeffe in Teaneck, NJ. James grew up in Whitehouse Station, NJ. and graduated from the University of Arts in Philadelphia with a BFA.
Everyone who met James instantly loved him. James was a loving, devoted husband and the best daddy on earth! He was a best friend to many.
He worked as a fine woodworker for Rag and Bone in Industry City Brooklyn for 8 years.
His work ethic was impeccable. He loved keeping busy- in the yard, building furniture, lending a hand to friends, neighbors and family. He enjoyed kayaking, skateboarding, playing harmonica, Kan Jam, listening to wake and bake on WFMU and inventing games with his son Jasper. James also was an avid reader and a brilliant painter.
James and Janine met in 2003 at Uncle Joe’s in Jersey City while James was living at the 111 Arts Building. They quickly fell in love but waited until 2009 to marry. They relocated to Rutherford in 2010 where James made a beautiful life for his family.
James will be missed by his devoted wife Janine (nee Darcy), his son Jasper James, his parents Richard and Margaret, his siblings, Michael O’Keeffe and fiancé Sarah Valasakos and Ann O’Keeffe and husband Jon Jasinski. He was a wonderful uncle to the Darcy nephews and nieces, Andrew, Lauren, Colin, Victoria and Alex. He was a beloved cousin and nephew to his aunts and Uncles.
Family will receive friends Wednesday 4-8pm in the Calhoun-Mania Funeral Home, 19 Lincoln Ave., Rutherford.
Funeral Thursday, gathering 9am from Funeral Home for 10am Mass of Christian Liturgy in Immaculate Conception Church, Hackensack.
Private cremation.
While attending all are asked to wear a mask.
In lieu of flowers donations in James's honor may be made to: The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation JDRF - www.jdrf.org
The family has set up a fund for James's son Jasper for his future education. This link will navigate you to the page should you wish to donate: https://accounts.franklintempleton.com/college/XFr5F
Everyone who met James instantly loved him. James was a loving, devoted husband and the best daddy on earth! He was a best friend to many.
He worked as a fine woodworker for Rag and Bone in Industry City Brooklyn for 8 years.
His work ethic was impeccable. He loved keeping busy- in the yard, building furniture, lending a hand to friends, neighbors and family. He enjoyed kayaking, skateboarding, playing harmonica, Kan Jam, listening to wake and bake on WFMU and inventing games with his son Jasper. James also was an avid reader and a brilliant painter.
James and Janine met in 2003 at Uncle Joe’s in Jersey City while James was living at the 111 Arts Building. They quickly fell in love but waited until 2009 to marry. They relocated to Rutherford in 2010 where James made a beautiful life for his family.
James will be missed by his devoted wife Janine (nee Darcy), his son Jasper James, his parents Richard and Margaret, his siblings, Michael O’Keeffe and fiancé Sarah Valasakos and Ann O’Keeffe and husband Jon Jasinski. He was a wonderful uncle to the Darcy nephews and nieces, Andrew, Lauren, Colin, Victoria and Alex. He was a beloved cousin and nephew to his aunts and Uncles.
Family will receive friends Wednesday 4-8pm in the Calhoun-Mania Funeral Home, 19 Lincoln Ave., Rutherford.
Funeral Thursday, gathering 9am from Funeral Home for 10am Mass of Christian Liturgy in Immaculate Conception Church, Hackensack.
Private cremation.
While attending all are asked to wear a mask.
In lieu of flowers donations in James's honor may be made to: The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation JDRF - www.jdrf.org
The family has set up a fund for James's son Jasper for his future education. This link will navigate you to the page should you wish to donate: https://accounts.franklintempleton.com/college/XFr5F