James J. Keevan, 89, of Osceola Ave., died Saturday, November 17th, in Knollwood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, West Boylston, after a brief illness.

   His wife, Philnece S. (Blanchard) Keevan died in 1985.

   He leave his four children, Richard J. Keevan of Columbia, SC, Wayne E. Keevan of Shrewsbury, Carol A. Baggett of Puyallup, WA, and Jo-Ann D. Dattis, with whom he lived; nine grandchildren, six great grandchildren, as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his daughter, Dianne C. Keevan in 1964.

   He was born in Worcester, a son of the late William and Mabel (Lynch) Keevan and has lived here most of his life. He graduated from Commerce High School. He was a decorated Army veteran of World War II, serving in the Philippines and South Pacific Theatres.

   Mr. Keevan worked as a novelist for many years. He also worked for a television repairman and for the former New York New Haven Railroad.

   A love and talent for baseball lead Jim to stint as a pitcher with the Worcester Industrial Baseball league, as well as being scouted by major league teams. He was an avid Red Sox and Patriots fan.

   Relatives and friends are invite to visit with Jim's family on Monday, November 19th from 4-7 Pm in the Britton-Shrewsbury Funeral Home, 648 Main St., Shrewsbury. A funeral service will then be held on Tuesday, Nov. 20th at 1 PM in the funeral home. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. Instead of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to a charity of the donor's choice.