Obituary of James B Keith

James B. Keith, 81, of Danvers and formerly of Peabody, died Thursday evening surrounded by his loving family at his home following a long illness. He was the devoted husband of Adelaide (Mello) Keith with whom he shared over 57 years of marriage. Born in Salem, he was the son of the late Lionel and Rosella (Nowak) Keith. He was raised and educated in Peabody and was a graduate of Peabody High School, class of 1956. He continued his education at Beverly Trade School and graduated with a certificate in carpentry in 1959. In 1961 he enlisted with the United States Army and served for a short period of time. He remained in the Reserves until 1966. Jimmy was a cabinet maker by trade and worked for TJ Walsh company DBA Curvoflite in Chelsea for many years. He also did a lot of independent work as well. Jimmy was a member of the PAWV Post 1 in Peabody. He also played bass for several country western bands and enjoyed fishing as well. In his earlier years, he enjoyed making ice cream at Chandlers in Peabody and later for Richardson’s in Middleton. Besides his loving wife, he is survived by his two daughters, Michele Keith of Danvers, and Andrea and her husband Timothy Byrne of Salem, his sister and brother-in-law, Sandra and Joseph “Al” Jeffrey of Hollis, NH, his two sisters-in-law, Eloise Gabriel and Dr. Sarah Jacob and by his beloved 4 grandchildren, Christopher “CJ”, Sean, and Ian Byrne and Claudia Keith. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his siblings, Joanne and her husband Richard Wadden, John and his wife Elizabeth Keith and Dr. Marcia Keith, his brother- in-law Dr. David M. Gabriel and his father and mother-in-law, Manuel and Clemilda Mello. Visiting hours will be held on Sunday from 3:00 until 6:00 PM at the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St, Peabody. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday at 10:00 AM at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Peabody to which relatives and friends are kindly to attend. All attendees are required to wear facial coverings and maintain social distancing as well. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Salem. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in his name to the Wounded Warrior Project, or the PAWV Post 1, 103 Tremont St, Peabody, MA 01960.