James Richard Keeffe

James Richard Keeffe passed away peacefully in his home in San Francisco at the age of 83. He was a professor emeritus of organic chemistry at San Francisco State University. He often marvelled at his good fortune in finding a job he loved early in life and being able to remain in that work his entire career.

Jim was born in Visalia, CA, to Richard Keeffe and Janice Wineman Keeffe. He grew up in Fresno and Dinuba, where he was an enthusiastic if undersized athlete, especially enjoying track and field. The first person in his family to attend college, James attended UC Santa Barbara, graduating in 1959 with a degree in Chemistry, and went on to complete a Ph.D. in organic chemistry from the University of Washington in 1964. He had a memorable year of post doctoral study at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden, where his first wife had many relatives. When Dr. Keeffe began his job at SFSU, his father proudly bought him a new suit to wear to work. It was The Sixties, however: styles were changing, and chemistry is messy, so he began wearing the plaid shirts and jeans that would be his trademark until his last day at work. He bought a house near the college and walked to work every day, walking home for lunch, then back to his office.

Jim was a respected researcher, but his special talent was teaching. In his 45 years at State, he helped thousands of students to put aside their fear of organic chemistry and to appreciate the beauty and wonder of it. Many of his students remained in touch with him long after graduating.

In addition to his passion for chemistry, Jim loved his family, his friends from every stage of his life, music of all kinds (especially chamber music), birds, reading about science and many genres of fiction. He was a sports fan, and preferred to watch from home, where he could enjoy a good meal and glass of wine while cheering on his favorite team.

He was predeceased by his parents Richard and Janice Keeffe, brother Michael Keeffe and former wife, Corrine Anderson. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Holley Wysong; sister Sandra (Otis) Hutchinson of Merced; his sons Andrew (Kim Laird) Keeffe of Juneau and Vincent Keeffe of San Francisco; and grandson Thomas Keeffe of Juneau.

In 2017, James suffered a severe stroke and required extensive care for the rest of his life. His family gives thanks for the compassionate and competent care of Pou Hala’api’api, who established a routine of loving care, and Joshua Siosiua Makoni, who continued this affectionate attention every day for almost 3 years. Thanks also to the Kaiser Home Health team, especially Ephraim Tungol, RN, and to By the Bay Health for hospice care.

A memorial service will be held at a date to be scheduled. Those wishing to honor Jim’s lifelong dedication to students and San Francisco State University may donate to the Henry Bertin Jr. Scholarship for graduate students in chemistry and biochemistry. https://give.sfsu.edu/08hbs

“Mr B” has moved on to the big multi-purpose room in heaven from which he will continue to inspire all, no matter their abilities, to keep moving, to never smoke or do drugs, and always put everything back neater than you found it! For 46 years Rudy taught his own unique version of Physical Education. First, for ten years in Brisbane, CA, and then for 36 years in Burlingame where the emphasis would be on non-competitive sports and no activity where a student would have to wait their turn.

Rudy would spend many an evening planning activities for his classes. He was particularly famous for designing obstacle courses themed around movies, geography, holidays, Olympics etc. He also made use of popular music, dance, and former students will remember juggling, beginning with scarfs for eye-hand coordination.

Not only an inspiration to the children he taught, but he was in great demand to give workshops for teachers statewide, nationally, and even internationally. He was a natural performer and teachers would find his workshops not only to be informative, but also entertaining. Rudy even started his own television show for local access television Burlingame where children would join him to move and share his message. Rudy and Carol, along with their daughter Kathryn lived for many years in Pacifica, CA where they made many close wonderful friends sharing birthdays and holidays. Every winter Rudy and Carol would organize a long weekend at Camp Curry in Yosemite for friends and family. Rudy would be in his element organizing line dancing.

Rudy is survived by his wife Carol of 45 years, his children Scott, Alisa, and Kathryn, and his sister Eleanor Somova.

A celebration of “Mr B’s” life will be held sometime in the spring. Please check his Facebook account for future details.

The family requests that in Rudy’s memory donations be made to the: Alzheimer’s Association P.O. Box 96011 Washington, D.C. 200906011