James "Jim" Keller

Peacefully, surrounded by his family, our beloved James Keller went home to God, on August 26, 2024, at the age of 81, in Winnipeg. Born on December 23, 1942 in Russell, Manitoba, Jim will be remembered for his gentle spirit, nurturing nature, and deep commitment to family, faith and Ukrainian heritage.

Blessed with a lifetime of beautiful memories are his loving wife of 55 years, Donna; beloved daughters Kristin and husband Sandro Foianesi, and Kathryn and partner Giovanni Varano; precious grandchildren Siena, Luca, Matteo, Alessandro, and Juliah; dearly loved brothers Frank (partner Cindy) and Larry (Joyce), and twin sister Gail; sisters-in-law Marie Kay and Jo-Ann Pasklivich; parent-in-law, Anna Simonetta, and numerous nieces, nephews, godchildren, close friends who became family, friends and acquaintances. He was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Natalie (Melnyk) Keller, in-laws Harry and Ann Pasklivich, as well as sister-in-law Phyllis Keller, brother-in-law Joseph Kay, parents-in-law Luciano and Miriam Foianesi and Piero Varano, as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins in the extended Keller/Melnyk family. 

Jim grew up on his family farm in Silver Creek, Manitoba. Picking wild strawberries, mushrooms and cranberries, looking for crow's nests, riding the horses and cows, feeding the animals, collecting eggs from the hen house, wading in a pond on the field, and running foot races around the house (Jim was always the fastest) were just some of the Three Musketeers’ (Jim, Gail, and Larry) adventures under the guidance of big brother Frank. Jim received his high school diploma at Russell High School and St Joseph’s College in Yorkton, SK. 

After graduation, Jim moved to Winnipeg to pursue a career in computers with Eaton’s. Jim was a skilled computer programmer, eventually working for Mackie Data, Credit Unions of Manitoba, Great West Life and IBM, before embarking on a second career as a custodian for the River East School Division. His work ethic was evident to all who knew him. 

Jim met the love of his life, Donna Pasklivich, at a youth club meeting. They married in Brandon, Manitoba at St Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church on July 5, 1969 and honeymooned on a road trip throughout the western United States. As a young couple, Jim and Donna loved going to weekend dances, hosting parties, camping, and spending time at the cabin at Clear Lake. Throughout their lives, they enjoyed traveling to Italy, Japan, Alaska, Mexico, and across Canada and the US.

Family was everything to Jim. He attended his daughters’ and grandchildren’s activities, including decades of Ukrainian dance and school concerts, piano recitals, soccer games, and fencing bouts. Together, they shared his love of gardening, passion for the Winnipeg Jets and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, and excitement for Saturday night Kinsmen Bingo. Weekly family dinners were a cherished tradition. 

A devoted member of St. Joseph's Ukrainian Catholic Church, Jim’s faith was a cornerstone of his life, guiding him in his daily actions and decisions. He served as a member of the Knights of Columbus (Father Shyshkovich Council), co-chair of the Maintenance and Operations Committee, Parish Council Treasurer, and at countless perogy bees and fish fries.

Jim's hobbies and interests were a reflection of his vibrant, engaging personality. His roots on the farm never left him, as gardening continued to be a passion. Jim took particular pride growing many varieties of garlic and tomatoes, and cultivating and propagating indoor plants. He took pleasure in sharing his bountiful harvest; many Crowns of Thorns, jade, milkweed, lady’s slippers and violets, to name a few, grace friends’ and families’ homes and gardens. Jim also enjoyed pottery, beekeeping, and was an avid sportsman, participating in curling (proudly winning a bonspiel with an eight ender), bowling and golf (including a memorable hole-in-one with friends Peter, Bill and Les), and holding a record for the 100-yard dash in Russell in 1962. 

Jim was proud of his Ukrainian heritage. For more than 25 years, he lent his beautiful tenor voice to the Hoosli Ukrainian Male Chorus, and spent several years as a member of Rusalka Ukrainian Dance Ensemble. For many years, Jim also served as treasurer for the Ukrainian National Home. Performing in Folklorama’s Kyiv Pavilion with his daughters was a source of pride and joy. 

Korban Funeral Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. We invite family, friends and those whose lives Jim has touched to join us for a Requiem Service to celebrate his life on Saturday, September 7th at 10am, St. Joseph’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, 250 Jefferson Avenue, Winnipeg, officiated by Rev. Father Bohdan Lukie, CSsR, and Redemptorist Fathers. If so desired, donations in memory of Jim can be made to the Movement Centre of Manitoba, Bishop Velychkovsky Martyr’s Shrine, or a charity of your choice. Jim's love and legacy will live on in his children, grandchildren, and the many hearts of those he touched. 

VICHNAYA PAM’YAT