James W McKeown

Calais – James Wallace McKeown, 83, died Friday, October 24, 2008 at a Bangor hospital. Wallace was born in East Machias on January 15, 1925. He was a veteran of WWII, serving in the U.S. Navy. On May 4, 1946, Wallace married Dorothea Craft of Alexander. Soon after, he began his career at the St. Croix Paper Co. in Woodland, where Wallace was employed for over forty years. Wallace worked hard in life, usually working two or more jobs to support his family. He was a member of the Quarter Century Club at Georgia Pacific and the Sherman Bros. Post #3 American Legion in Calais. Wallace enjoyed puttering in his garage, reading, playing guitar, having “blue-grass” gatherings in his home, working on cars, and spending time with his family. He was predeceased by his mother, Vera (Wallace) McKeown, and a brother Irving McKeown. Surviving are his loving wife of over 62 years, Dottie McKeown of Calais; six children, Dianne Graham and her husband David of Calais, David McKeown and his wife Marie of Baileyville, Duane McKeown of Phoenix, AZ, Marvin McKeown and his wife Terry of Bath, Donna Barry and her husband Fred of Orrington, and Barry McKeown of Phoenix, AZ; twelve grandchildren, Tania Cody, Niesje, Michael, Toni, Corey, Ryan, Brandon and Karissa McKeown, Troy and TJ Leavitt, Brandy Doyle and Patrick Coady; five great-grandchildren, Taylor and Will Cody, Christian Doyle, and Ethan and Cassie Leavitt; his half sister, Clarice Dill; a special sister-in-law, Verna Thistlewood; niece Jan Mallory; and several nieces and nephews. A private graveside service will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Mays Funeral Home, Calais & Eastport.


Memorials:
In lieu of flowers, donations in Wallace’s memory may be made to the Disabled American Veterans Fund, Maine Chapter, 1 VA Center, Augusta, ME 04330.