October 20, 1952 – June 21, 2023
James (Jim) Patrick Keogh, age 70, died on June 21, 2023, at his home in Moab. Jim was born in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on October 20, 1952, the son of John Edgar Keogh and Mary Mueth Keogh.
In 1954, when Jim was just 2 years old, the Keogh family moved to Moab, then the uranium capital of the world. Jim grew up in Moab as the oldest brother in a family of eleven children. He was a horseman and loved his quarter horse, Charlie; and he loved climbing, wheeling, and exploring the red rocks of Moab. He was a good student, excelling in math, and he was a gifted athlete in both wrestling and football. A leader, Jim served as student body president for Grand County High School and graduated in 1970.
Jim began working for his dad around 1962, helping to survey remote areas and mines all over this desert landscape. Jim was involved in many business ventures and started or owned many companies over his lifetime, his final being R & J Equipment and James Keogh Corporation. As a civil engineer, Jim was a sculptor of the earth–an artist. His tools were his equipment and the landscape was his clay. Jim’s detailed work is all across the infrastructure of Moab and gracing many of the buildings, homes, and roads that will last more than a lifetime. He always aimed to leave every site looking “as though God had created it.”
Jim’s favorite role in life was as a father to Rebakah and a grandfather to Fox and Will. His love and devotion leave a legacy in our hearts. He also loved his relationship with Rebakah’s sisters Mackenzie, Sara, and Jenyce.
Jim is survived by his daughter, Rebakah Keogh of Fruita, Colorado; and two grandsons, James Fox and William John. He is survived by Shirley Fredriksen, his sweetheart of many years. He also leaves behind his mother, Mary Keogh of Moab, age 99. Jim is survived by 10 siblings: Kathleen (Craig) Fuhriman, Janie (Don) Tuft, Tiger (Terry Carlson), Matt (Jan Johnston), Alice (Ken Moore), Tim (Jessie Walsh), Tom (Anita), Ed (Pam), John Paul, and Mike (Debbie).
At Jim’s request, cremation has taken place and a memorial service for Jim will be held on July 8 at 10 a.m. at the Community Church of Moab (544 N Mivida Dr.).
You may send condolences to the family at www.SpanishValleyMortuary.com.
