WILMINGTON — James Leslie “Jim” Keating, 68, passed away peacefully Friday, March 9, 2018, surrounded by loved ones.
Jim was born Sept. 7, 1949, in Washington, D.C. He was the second born of five children. As a child he lived in Clarksburg, W.Va., Bainbridge, Md., and Falls Church, Va., before moving to “The Farm” in Gainesville, Va., in 1965.
He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War in 1971. Upon his return, he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from George Mason University. Jim was a CPA and partner with the accounting firm Matthews, Carter & Boyce P.C., for over 35 years and most recently ran a real estate investment firm based out of Washington, D.C. He had a disciplined work ethic and took pride in it.
Above all else, he loved his family and friends. Jim was our “rock.” We all knew that he was the one we could call anytime we were struggling because he would show up every single time. “Family first” is what he would have said.
Jim’s deepest passion was being on the water aboard his boat “Reality” with his wife and first mate Chris. It is where he found joy and was happiest, especially if there was a grandkid helping him “drive” the boat.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. James and Elynor Keating. He was a devoted husband to Christine Keating, who he met on Aug. 1, 1999, and married on the same day in 2007. He was father to Christine Mottram (Jamie), Stephen Keating, David Keating and Catie LaFlamme; brother to Pat Stath (Lester), Tom Keating (Lori), Karen Wallace (Jerry) and Christine Lawrence; papa to Elynor Grace, Miles Keating, Charlie James, Denver James and Mason Elias; and uncle to many nieces and nephews.
We will always remember his boisterous laugh, the specific way he ordered a cocktail and his slightly out-of-tune rendition of “Silent Night” at Christmas. He will be missed.
A celebration of his life will be held from 1 to 4 p.m., Saturday, March 17, at Bluewater Grill, 4 Marina St., Wrightsville Beach.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Coast Guard Auxiliary Association or Step Up for Soldiers.
Share online condolences with the family at coastalcremations.com.
