James Everett Keener, 82, passed away Friday June 28, 2024 in Wichita Kansas. Born in La Crosse, Kansas, lived in NeKoma, Kismet. Graduating from Mullinville High School, 1960, graduating from Pratt community college,1962, and graduating from Wichita State University, 1967. Served in the United States Peace Core 1967-69. Taught high school math at Cheney, Ks and later moving to Melville, New Jersey working as the Director of the YMCA. A few years later moved back to Mullinville and worked for his youngest brother, LeeRoy in the grocery business in Mullinville and Bucklin. LOater he moved to Nashville, Tennessee working in the music business for several years, then moved back to Wichita working and retiring from Southerland Lumber, Wichita. With failingy health he spent a number of years in the Homestead nursing home in Wichita serving as the resident's president.

Proceeding him in death were his parents, Glenn and Virginia, his brothers Gary, John, and LeeRoy. He is survived by his brother Jay Dee of Wichita as well as a number of cousins, nieces, and nephews.

James enjoyed writing the words and the music for many, many songs as well as poems-attached are a sampling of his joy.