James Patrick O’Keefe, 76 of Dartmouth, NS passed away at Northwood.

Born in Sydney, NS he was the son of James Patrick O’Keefe and Mary Cecelia O’Keefe (MacDougall).

Survived by his wife of 54 years, Joyce O’Keefe (nee Clowe); sons, James Patrick Jr. and John Jason (Lacey); brothers, David (Claudette) Montreal QC, Paul, Sydney, NS, Peter (Marie) Dominion, NS, Ronald (Denise), Sydney, NS; grandchildren, Sophia Marie (4 years) and Roman Patrick (7 months).

James was predeceased by his parents, James and Mary O’Keefe, sister-in-law, Judy (Paul) O’Keefe; parent-in-law, John Clowe and Millie Clowe, Brothers-in-law, John Wallace and Christopher Clowe.

Jimmy was born and raised in Whitney Pier, Sydney, Nova Scotia. From an early age, he was passionate about sports, excelling in hockey and baseball while attending Holy Redeemer and Don Bosco Elementary Schools. As he grew older, he added soccer to his repertoire, quickly becoming a standout in all three sports. Of them all, hockey remained his greatest passion.

He went on to attend Sydney Academy High School, where his athletic talents continued to shine. One of his proudest moments came in 1967 when he led his school team to the Provincial Championship in Halifax.

After graduating high school, Jimmy joined the Canadian Armed Forces (Air Force) in the fall of 1968, training as an Airframe Technician at CFB Kingston and CFB Borden. He was then posted to CFB Greenwood, where his love for sports remained strong—playing hockey, softball, and soccer. In 1970, he competed in the Canadian Forces International Soccer Championship in Montreal. A particularly special moment for Jimmy was discovering that his oldest brother, David, was also competing, representing Baden-Baden, Germany.

Later that year, he met Joyce, the love of his life, his soulmate, and best friend. They were married in 1971 and began building their life together.

While stationed at CFB Greenwood, Jimmy also coached a midget “C” hockey team. Saturday gatherings at the house became tradition, with his team coming over to watch ABC’s Wide World of Sports while enjoying hotdogs and pop.

In 1974, Jimmy left the military to attend university at "Little X" in Sydney, an affiliate of St. Francis Xavier University. During the summer, he worked as a spare driver for Scotsburn Dairymen’s Co-operative. Shortly after returning to school, he was offered a full-time position, an offer he accepted, especially with Joyce expecting their first child.

Over the years, Jimmy remained deeply involved in his community. He coached minor hockey and soccer, dedicating time and passion to youth sports. In 1986, he was transferred to Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, with Scotsburn, where he became a devoted supporter of the Halifax Mooseheads, holding season tickets for over 20 years.

He was a familiar and encouraging presence in Cole Harbour’s minor hockey scene, often found behind the bench, particularly when his sons were on the ice.

In addition to his many athletic interests, Jimmy was an ardent golfer. Whether hitting the links on early weekend mornings or enjoying a casual round with friends and family, golf became a treasured part of his life, especially in his later years. He loved the quiet challenge of the game, the camaraderie it fostered, and the peaceful hours spent on the course. For Jimmy, golf wasn’t just a sport—it was a way to connect, reflect, and relish the simple joys of life. He could often be found retelling tales of memorable rounds or marveling at a perfect shot, especially his hole-in-one on the fifteenth at Hartlen Point, with the same enthusiasm he had in his youth. The green fairways became a sanctuary of sorts, a place where his spirit thrived and his heart felt at home.

Jimmy was also a devout member of the Knights of Columbus Council 7302 and an active parishioner at St. John XXIII Church, Divine Mercy Parish in Colby Village, Dartmouth.

James will be sadly missed by his family, his four brothers and his favourite niece Rennee.

A memorial service is to be held at St John XXIII Church at 12:00pm Friday 30 May 2025.

In lieu of flowers, Donations to the Alzheimer’s Association of Nova Scotia would be greatly appreciated.

Special thank you to Jimmy’s brother Paul and his favourite niece, Renee for their phenomenal support and for being here to the end.

Many thanks to the residents of Woodbury II for their undying support and their “Anything I can do to help” attitude. Last but not least, a sincere thank you to the staff of Northwood, 1st floor, Chestnut Lake, Halifax Campus. Especially Angeline, Shree, Melanie and kitchen staff, Pat and Nancy. You all went beyond caring for Jimmy and providing tremendous support for his family.