James “Mr. Paul” Paul Keith

James Paul Keith (Mr. Paul), 84, completed his journey here on earth on May 16, 2022, at 10:10 p.m. at his home after a 12-year battle with cancer and is now forever at rest and is no longer in pain. He was born on March 9, 1938, to the late Lonnie and Mattie Buxton Keith in Lancing Tennessee.

He graduated from Lima Senior High, Class of 1957 and was in the Marine Reserves and served in the U.S. Navy from 1958 to 1963. Paul started working when he was 12 years old and never slowed down until he had open heart surgery and prostate cancer. He had worked at Pangles Master Markets, was an Ohio State Patrolman, owned Keith’s Wholesale and Fairground Pizza. Paul was a firm believer that nothing in life was free and taught his children that they needed to work for what they wanted. He inherited his love of flowers from his mother and was a big fan of country and blue grass music. Paul built and raced cars at the Allentown Race Track back in the 60s.

Paul is survived by 5 children: James Paul Keith, II (Polly Garmatter), Lisa Godfrey (Jimmie Mullins), John Keith (Jennifer Staley), Pam Keith and Jerry Keith (Jade); 12 grandchildren: Andrea, Logan, Justin, Cayden, Dakotah, Jared, Jordan, Kolton, Keegan (Abbey), Karson, Dylan (Morgan) and Theresa; 9 great grandchildren: Haylee (Shane), Devin (McKenna), Brayden, Xander, Bentlee, Maddie, Ke’Andre, Klayton and Daxton with 2 more on the way and his first great great grandchildren is due in May; a sister Millie Fisher (Joe (dec) and 5 nieces: Kathy Schultz, Shirley Meeks, Tammy Stelzer, Helen Campbell and Reba Raleigh and 4 nephews: Billy Keith, Tom Keith, Jim York and Jeff Keith and 2 others that preceded him in death and a good friend, Dave Steinberger and a very special friend from many years ago, Chuck Mull.

He is preceded in death by grandchildren, Dentin Bailey, a sister Maxine York and 3 brothers, Bill, Kenneth and Don Keith.

The family would like to say a special thank you to Putnam County Hospice for their excellent service and friends that stopped by to help, dropped off food or just to visit. It was deeply appreciated.

A graveside service will be held at Memorial Park Cemetery, Thursday, May 19th at 2:00 p.m., with military rites and a celebration of life and the traditional karaoke will be held directly after at Fairground Pizza and everybody is welcome to join.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be given to St. Jude’s Hospital. Arrangements by Bayliff & Son Funeral Home, Cridersville.