Obituary: James E. McKeown III, 84; Former North Branford Superintendent of Schools

From Sisk Brothers Funeral Home

James E. McKeown III, 84, entered peacefully into rest on March 4, 2017 surrounded by the love of his family, after a courageous 2 year battle. Loving husband of the late Nancy D McKeown, they shared over sixty years of loving devotion to each other.

He was the son of the late James E McKeown II, of Armagh Ireland and Bridget Killeen McKeown of County Clare Ireland. He was loved and adored by his children, James E. (Anne) McKeown IV of Milford, CT, Maura Erin McKeown of Hamden, CT, John D McKeown of Tampa, FL and Nadeen E McKeown of West Haven, CT, his beautiful granddaughters who he was so proud of and brought immeasurable joy to his life; Brennan E and Tiernan E McKeown of Milford, CT, loving sister Mary Savoie of Cromwell, CT, great friend and sister in-law Joan Connor of West Haven and many loving and caring nieces and nephews.

Jim grew up in Fairhaven and later East Rock sections of New Haven. He and Nancy moved their family to Northford, residing there 42 years, where they raised their children and were blessed with a many true friends. Jim and Nancy later moved to the West Walk beach community where they opened an ice cream shop, The Creamery. They were active members of St John Vianney Church and the West Haven Irish Club, adding more friends into their fold. Laughter and a good game of dominoes was a summertime favorite.

He was a proud member of the first graduating class 1950 of Notre Dame High School in West Haven. He would often tell stories reflecting on those great times in his life. He graduated from Southern CT State Teachers College, Fairfield University and later studied at Columbia University.

His career led him through a path of coaching track and football at Notre Dame, Branford and North Branford as well as teaching in Notre Dame and North Branford.

While in North Branford he was a Teacher, Principal, and Superintendent of Schools before retiring in 1985. Jim was active in community service and spent many years volunteering in St Monica’s Church, Knights of Columbus, Totoket Historical Society, Notre Dame Alumni and Board of Directors, Notre Dame mentoring program, Walter Camp Football Foundation, and St John Vianney Church. After retiring he enjoyed teaching again at St. Mary School in Milford, CT

He and his family were very proud of his many accomplishments and awards, most notably his Knight’s of Honor induction in 1998, and over 30 years of volunteer service to the Walter Camp Foundation.

Many thanks to our family, friends, and the Notre Dame and West Walk community for the love, visits and support. Jim’s family would also like to thank the many caregivers over the past 2 years who have been so kind and made a difference.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, March 10th, 2017 at 1:00pm in St John Vianney Church, West Haven. Burial will be private. Calling hours will be Thursday, March 9th from 4 - 8 pm at Sisk Brothers Funeral Home, 3105 Whitney Ave., Hamden

In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions can be made to the McKeown Scholarship Fund at Notre Dame High School in West Haven, CT or Be Like Brit orphanage in Haiti, belikebrit.org

To leave a condolence online condolences, visit Sisk Brothers Funeral Home here.

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