JAMES WALLACE MCKEOWN

CALAIS – James Wallace McKeown, 83, died Friday, Oct. 24, 2008, at a Bangor hospital. Wallace was born Jan. 15, 1925, in East Machias. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Navy. On May 4, 1946, Wallace married Dorothea Craft of Alexander. Soon after he began his career at St. Croix Paper Co., Woodland, where Wallace was employed for more than 40 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 Sherman Bros. Post No. 3 American Legion, 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 more than 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, Marvin McKeown and his wife, Terry, of Bath, Donna Barry and her husband, Fred, of Orrington and Barry McKeown of Phoenix; 12 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; several nieces and nephews. A private graveside service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Wallace’s memory may be made to Disabled American Veterans Fund, Maine Chapter, 1 VA Center, Augusta, ME 04330. Arrangements by Mays Funeral Home, Calais and Eastport. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.maysfuneralhome.com.