James Bernard Keenan II

James B. Keenan, II passed away on June 10, 2024 at Poydras Home in New Orleans after a long-term, courageous fight with Parkinson’s Disease. He and his wife Donna Keenan enjoyed 43 years of marriage.

Born in 1938 in Philadelphia, he was the son of Katherine Rabe Butler and James B. Keenan I. He served his country in the US Air Force from 1958 to 1962. He completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School in 1966 and earned his Juris Doctorate in Law from Harvard University in 1969. He was admitted to the Bars of the States of New York and New Jersey where he practiced corporate, financial, and insurance law for over 30 years.

Jim loved music. His collection of classical and jazz LPs and CDs was extensive. He sang in church choirs and choral societies in New York and New Jersey, including Carnegie Hall. He also loved to read, travel, and attend concerts and plays. He cherished wonderful friendships and will be remembered for his entertaining wit, keen intelligence, goofy humor, and cultural interests.

Jim is survived by his wife and four children: son James III of Austin, Texas, son Jonathan (Kim) of Tom’s River, NJ, daughter Jennifer of New York, daughter Suzanna (Kyle) of New Orleans, and grandchildren: Jessica (Wesley), Syd, Tekkie, and Aida.

A memorial mass will be at St. Francis of Assisi (631 State St. New Orleans) at 12 noon on Friday, June 14. Visitation will start at 11, with military honors at 11:30 am.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation or to Himalayan Children’s Charities (HCC) .