KEPPEL, James Edwin

James Edwin Keppel 85, passed away on June 26, 2002, surrounded by loving family members. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on August 16, 1916, he attended public school in Wheeling, West Virginia, where he was valedictorian of his high school class at age 16. He graduated from West Virginia Wesleyan College and took graduate work in chemistry at University of Maryland. He received his medical degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 1942 and served his internship in Pittsburgh. He was a member of the Kappa Alpha fraternity and the AOA Medical Honor Society. A member of the Greatest Generation, he was a paratrooper and served overseas during World War II as a commanding officer in the 222nd and 307th medical companies. He left the service as a Major in 1946. After leaving the Army, he set up a medical practice in Clarion, Pennsylvania. He moved to Mesa in 1950 where he established a thriving and fulfilling practice as a family physician. He was chief of staff at both Southside District and Mesa Lutheran hospitals. He also served as President of the Mesa Chamber of Commerce. He was an elder of the First Presbyterian Church of Mesa where he taught bible school and men's bible classes. He was a member of the American Legion, Masonic Lodge and Scottish Rite. He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Mary Lou, his children Jim, David and Ann, his daughter-in-law Linda, his son-in-law Ted and his grandsons Scott and Mike. He was a man of integrity who loved life. The sound of his laughter will be with us forever. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. He was a man of God and a living example of his faith. His great mental ability was only overshadowed by his humility. He was a compassionate physician who always had time for his patients. He touched so many lives and will be missed by all of us. We love you, Dad. Visitation at Melcher's Chapel of the Roses, 43 S. Stapley Drive, Mesa, Arizona on Tuesday, July 2, 2002. Services at the First Presbyterian Church of Mesa, 161 N. Mesa Dr., Mesa, Arizona on Wednesday, July 3, 2002. At his request, in lieu of flowers please make contributions to the First Presbyterian Church of Mesa, the Shriner's Crippled Children's Hospital or the American Heart Association. Published in The Arizona Republic June 30 - July 02, 2002.