Jim Keller

Jim Keller, 69, of Robinson, IL, died May 6, 2021, at his home. He was born October 18, 1951, in Robinson, IL, the son of Moran C. & Garnet Ruth (Meeker) Keller, both of whom preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Richard "Rick" Keller, and his dog and best bud, Eddie. He is survived by his son & daughter-in-law, Brian & Jamie Keller (Olney, IL); by his grandchildren, Allen, Sebrina, and Sebastian Keller (all of Olney, IL); by two great-grandchildren; and by his sister-in-law, Marilyn Keller (Jefferson City, TN). Jim was a proud, lifelong resident of Crawford County and gave much of himself to make it a better place. A 1969 graduate of Robinson High School, he decided to follow in his father's footsteps by studying printing and graphics at Vincennes University. This education served him well throughout his near-50 years in business. Through Keller Printing, he, along with his father and brother, provided his community with quality service and products since 1972. Anyone fortunate enough to know Jim could attest to his love of firearms. In fact, he had a curator's worth of historical and practical knowledge that he could fire off at any one moment! A life member of both the National Rifle Association and National Muzzleloading Rifle Association and a longtime member of the Crawford County Black Powder Club, he even crafted his own muzzleloaders, which he put to use at various period reenactments set from the early frontier days all the way through the Civil War. It could be said that Jim was born in the wrong century, as he was drawn to the way of life of our forefathers. He crafted his own buckskins and was well-versed with beadwork. This passion for yesteryear led him to join the Sons of the American Revolution and the Fort Lamotte Rangers, with whom he was a past president. Jim also had a fascination with archaeology, as evidenced by his involvement with the Central Wabash Archaeology Chapter as well as his own excursions searching for arrowheads. He could look at the lay of the land and pinpoint where to look and was able to amass a respectable collection this way. While it is true that he had a penchant for the ways of yesteryear, the man also loved his cars. Though he enjoyed taking part in various car clubs, such as the National Nomad Club, few things thrilled him more than taking an old broken-down Chevy and bringing it back to life...only to sell it and start all over again with another! Through the years, Jim restored numerous Corvettes, Chevelles, and Bel Airs, work which provided him with countless hours of well-earned satisfaction. Even more satisfying was the work he was able to accomplish for his fellow man. A selfless advocate for his community, he was a longtime Republican precinct committeeman and also served on the Crawford County Board for two terms. His concern for the well-being of his fellow man led him into the fraternal brotherhood of Freemasons. A member of the Flat Rock Masonic Lodge #348, he journeyed deeper into the teachings of the craft by way of the Scottish Rite. Core to the values of a Freemason is a reverence for God, and for Jim, this rang true. We thank Him for the life of Jim Keller and are humbled by the legacy he leaves behind in his community and in our hearts. A time of visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Monday, May 10th, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. Masonic funeral rites will be accorded at 7:00 p.m. following the visitation on Monday. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 11th, at the funeral home with his friend, Pastor Clinton Batcheller, officiating. Burial will be in the Kirk Cemetery, rural Robinson, IL. Memorials may be made to the "Crawford County Humane Society", with envelopes available at the funeral home.