John J. Keys

UPDATE-A Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Hope Church will be conducted at 10:00am on Saturday May 10, 2024, with burial following in the Our Lady of Angels Cemetery.

John J. Keys   May 7, 1946 – December 14, 2024, Whitehall

John J, Keys of Beckwith Road passed away on Saturday, December 14 in the home that he loved.

John was born in Whitehall to Norman C. Keys and Susan Horton.  He was a 1964 graduate of Whitehall High School, a member of the first class to graduate from the new building.

John was a proud veteran of the US Army, serving two years in Berlin, Germany.

Following his military service John returned to his job as a Freight Conductor for the D&H Railroad. He served as a Corrections Officer for two years before returning to the Railroad.  He worked 46 years for the Railroad.

John was a passionate outdoorsman who found joy in nature’s beauty. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, and traveler, always seeking new adventures and making lasting memories with his friends.

John’s greatest love, however, was his family.  After overcoming multiple health challenges, he fought with remarkable strength and determination to return home where he most wanted to be. The support and encouragement of so many people especially the three friends, Jim Lafayette, Bill Frazier, and Al Fish who faithfully made the trip to Springfield every week to inspire John through his recovery.

John is survived by his devoted wife of 55 years, Ann, his pride and joy, sons Richard (Rachel) and Michael (Michele) of Queensbury.  His adored grandchildren, Courtney Switzer (Aidan) of Jacksonville, FL, Taylor, Mackenna, Colin, Vinny, and Brooke of Queensbury, his sister, Darlene of Palmetto, FL, sisters-in-law, Jane Goff (Jim), Kaye Aunchman (Michael), Harriet Wyman (Tracy), brothers-in-law Paul Bartholomew (Jenn) and Robert Bartholomew (Zalina), a special cousin Roy Baker and numerous nieces and nephews.

Family and Friends may call from 12pm to 3pm on Saturday December 21, 2024 at the Jillson Funeral Home Inc. 46 Williams St., Whitehall, NY.

A Mass of Chirstian burial, internment with full military honors will be conducted in the spring in the Our Lady of Angels Cemetery.

Contributions may be made in John’s name to either the Skenesborough EMS, PO Box 333, Whitehall, NY 12887, or The Our Lady of Hope Church, 9 Wheeler Ave., Whitehall, NY 12887.

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