In Memoriam: Jim Keene ’57

21 Responses

1. Mr. Keene’s Legacy

   I didn’t have the honor of meeting Mr. Keene in person, but his committment to Sigma Pi has been evident in all of my work and interactions with the undergraduate chapter and alumni board. Condolences to his family, friends, and brothers.

2. Simple phrase that speaks volumes

   Jim Keene ’57 was an impressive man that led a rich and accomplished life. Some of his many honorable attributes are on clear display in the simple words he penned for his beloved fraternity. In the following two sentences Jim’s loyalty to the people he loved, generous spirit, appreciation of others, and devotion to a cause bigger than himself, shine through.

   “The opportunity to be a member of Mu Chapter of Sigma Pi is a gift from those who came before you. Add to the gift, and pass it on to those who come after you” –Jim Keene ’57.

   We will desperately miss him.
   Kurt Rasmussen ’80

3. Article from the Omaha World-Herald

   We wanted to share this article about Brother Keene’s business, Humboldt Specialty Manufacturing, published in the Omaha World-Herald in 2015:
   https://www.omaha.com/money/omaha-company-helps-inventors-bring-products-to-market/article_7dc4c2b4-30a3-55d2-aad9-b558510d0533.html

   Submitted by Jarett Wait ’80

4. Obituary from The New York Times

   Here is Brother Keene’s obituary, as published in The New York Times on October 21:
   https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/nytimes/obituary.aspx?n=james-keene&pid=190529423

   Submitted by Jarett Wait ’80

5. Thinking of Mu Chapter

   I remember meeting Jim on one of my first trips as Province Archon at the Cornell Sigma Pi house. Even though I joined Sigma Pi at the University at Buffalo, I had spent time at the Mu Chapter house as an undergraduate and had tremendous respect for the history of the chapter and what the alumni at Mu Chapter were able to build together. As I pulled up to the house as a volunteer for the Fraternity, I remember thinking I’m probably a bit out of my element.

   Jim was certainly very accomplished and had all of the credentials. I knew it right away the first time we met. We we able to bond out on the patio in front of the house, talking about the proud history of Mu Chapter, the current direction of the International Fraternity, and where we thought the opportunities could be for Sigma Pi well into the future. I’ll never forget those conversations. Jim’s depth of knowledge about everything Sigma Pi was impressive.

   Later I had the opportunity to become the Executive Director of Sigma Pi and I had a much better appreciation for the role and responsibilities of the position because of my conversations over many years with Jim. I was very proud that Jim was the recipient of the Sigma Pi Founders’ Award, the highest honor any brother can receive in Sigma Pi. It was well deserved. Jim’s speech that night reminded me of all of our conversations over the years, and I was grateful that I could be there in person to see how proud Jim was. He earned it. Every bit of it. His legacy at Mu Chapter and the Sigma Pi International will live on for generations to come. That’s what we should all be striving for as brothers. He did it.

   Fraternally,
   Michael Ayalon

6. A Sigma Pi Legend and Hero

   The brothers of Sigma Pi, Cornell University mourn the passing of our dear brother, Jim Keene. Jim is a Sigma Pi legend and hero. Jim carried Mu Chapter on his back for many many years to ensure the fraternity’s ongoing success for future generations. The Directors of the Mu Chapter Alumni Board and Educational Foundation have unanimously elected to name the Memorial Room at the Sigma Pi Chapter house as the “James H. Keene III Memorial Library” in recognition of his tireless leadership and contributions to the fraternity, to the chapter, and to its members. We are all proud to call Jim our brother. Please raise a glass in Jim’s honor!

   Jevo,
   Jarett Wait

7. A Natural Teacher and a True Gentleman

   As Jarett so eloquently stated in his comments, Jim Keene is a Sigma Pi Mu Chapter legend. But what I have admired most for the ten years I called him both friend and brother was his devotion to our undergraduate brothers. Jim lived for the opportunity to take a group of young brothers to dinner and share with them his vivid memories of earlier times, both good and bad. He was a natural teacher and a true gentleman. I will miss our frequent quiet talks over breakfast at the Statler. Rest In Peace Jim. You made a difference.

   John Haggerty ’78

8. Role Model

   Jim was my best role model for how to live a life with integrity, compassion, and inexhaustible positive energy. When I was a 20-year-old in Sigma Pi, he became my first “grown-up” friend. I’m grateful for the time I spent with him both at Cornell and later in life while I lived in Omaha. He will be deeply missed.

   Peter Sedivy ’98

9. Incredible Brother, Mentor, and Friend

   It is deeply saddening to learn of Jim’s passing. I send my heartfelt condolences to Ruth, all of Jim’s family and everyone else mourning this loss. I’m confident when saying I don’t think I will ever meet another person like Jim Keene. When the brothers of Mu Chapter call him a legend, it is not an understatement. Jim was an incredible brother, mentor and friend. His ability to connect with people of all ages was unmatched. He opened up a lot of doors for me personally and I’m incredibly grateful to have had the oppurtunity to know him. I love you Jim and we will never forget you.

   Your brother,
   Jonathan Morello

10. A Man of Great Integrity and Character

    Everyone at the Cornell Johnson Museum was so sorry to hear this news. Jim was a staunch friend to us, and to all of Cornell, a man of great integrity and I will never forget my visit to Omaha, when the Keenes were both so helpful.

    Frank Robinson – Director, Cornell Johnson Museum

11. Condolences from the Undergraduate Brotherhood

    On behalf of the undergraduate brotherhood, I would like to express our utmost condolences to all the friends and family who had the pleasure of knowing Jim Keene. The current undergraduates were all lucky enough to meet Jim during our time in the house. Speaking from my personal experience, which was echoed by many in the house, the talk Jim had with each of our new member classes as freshman and sophomores is what first solidified to each of us what it meant to be a Sigma Pi at Mu Chapter. From the moment he began to speak to my class in the spring of 2017, we could sense his genuine compassion and how important he felt it was to pass on his wisdom to the next generation of Pi men. Through all the stories he told and advice he gave, it was clear his most important message was to be selfless. Since I’ve been a part of this fraternity, I’ve heard and repeated the phrase, “No matter how much you give to the brotherhood during your time as a brother, you will never come close to giving to the brotherhood as much as it will give you.” Jim just might have proven us wrong. He helped all of us see the bigger picture that being a Sigma Pi is about so much more than simply upholding the reputation of those that came before us. It’s about spreading the culture of Sigma Pi everywhere we go and utilizing the gift of our fraternity experience to make a difference in the lives of those around us. While it will be extremely difficult to replace the presence Jim had within the brotherhood, I am confident that the next generation of Pi men will ensure his legacy and messages of brotherhood and commitment to others will be shared with those who did not have the honor of meeting him.

    Fraternally,
    Alex Ewald ’20, Sage

12. Someone Who Saved Sigma Pi at Cornell Many Times

    Jim Keane and Joel Van Wynen were two people who in the late 1950s and 1960s helped Sigma Pi through a number of rough times. The details of of the problems they had to deal with are best buried in the past, but suffice it to say Brother behavior was not always up to snuff. Jim and Joel interacted with Cornell administrators many times to get the House out of trouble and back on track.

    I know Jim continued on with these efforts over the full course of his life. Joel died in the early 1980s and was no longer an ally, but Jim did innumerable things to help Sigma Pi through many issues.

    As someone who joined SIgma Pi over 57 years ago, I am probably one of the few who personally remember him from those days. He was a no-nonsense person when he had to be, but at the same time had the capacity to see humor in even the most serious situations. When he visited the House in the early 1960s, he was always inquisitive about us brothers – who we were, what we were doing, what our plans were for the future – and always with suggestions for improvement.

    He was mostly unflappable. One time he was crossing the Atlantic with Joel Van Wynen’s two sisters during a major hurricane. Almost everyone aboard was sick, but Jim and one of the sisters danced away the voyage. His comment was “I paid my money, I am going to enjoy myself!”

    Jim – you were a fine person. I am glad to have known you.

    John Rumble 1964

13. A True Mentor, Leader, and Friend

    I had the great privilege of getting to know Jim over the past 9 years. From meeting him as a freshman at Sigma Pi, to working with him closely as Sage, to connecting during is annual visits to New York City, I learned to count on him for guidance, perspective, and countless great stories. He was a man who exuded the principles he preached: respect, hard work, strong family values, and unflapping dedication to Sigma Pi fraternity. I was very fortunate to see Jim the week before he passed – we went to the NYC Cabaret Convention, a cause he was instrumental in supporting, and enjoyed a great dinner afterwards. A number of times that night, he introduced me to his friends as his “brother”. Of course, he got some quizzical looks in return before clarifying “fraternity brother”. However, Jim truly held that fraternal bond dear and treated every Sigma Pi – no matter what age – like family. He will be deeply missed.

    Zach Smith
    Sigma Pi ’13

14. Jim Keene was a leader of ability, energy and unflagging determination to to get the job done. He saw Mu Chapter through its highs and its lows and it is fair to say that without his leadership, there would be no Sigma Pi at Cornell today, let alone the fine organization we have.

    Doug Parker ’56

15. Embodiment of Sigma Pi. When I joined Sigma Pi during the Spring of 2013 it did not take long to learn who Jim was. Jim made himself readily available to all new members of our fraternity and visited us quickly after we joined. Over the course of the past five years I got to know Jim better as a brother and friend. Over dinners at The Antlers Restaurant, working as members of the Centennial Committee to plan the celebration of our Chapter’s 100th anniversary, and more recently as Directors of the Mu Chapter of Sigma Pi Educational Foundation, I was able to learn from Brother Keene what it meant to be a brother of Sigma Pi and live out our creed. Jim was proof that brotherhood extends long beyond our time at Cornell, I will carry those memories for life.

    Fraternally,
    Connor Riser ’16

16. Losing a friend

    When I think of Jim, two words come to mind.

    Purpose. I have known few people who have moved through this world with as much purpose as Jim. Everywhere he went, he found purpose. Whether it was his family, his fraternity, his career, the performing arts, at every stage of his life, he committed himself deeper.

    Friend. Beyond purpose, what made Jim the bedrock of our fraternity for so long was that it had simply never struck him as odd to consider an 18 year old or an 81 year old as his friend. He saw friendship as devoid of generational boundaries. The power of that idea–that we were all brothers in a very real way–meant that the ideal of Sigma Pi was just who he was. Nothing was ever forced and his commitment was true.

    I wish we had been in touch in these last few years. I miss my friend.

    Matt Maloney ’05

17. Jim, You Will Be Greatly Missed.

    Jim Keene was a larger than life figure and I am still saddened to hear of his passing. I remember very clearly the first time I met Jim in January, 2013. My class had just accepted our bids. Jim would traditionally visit Ithaca during the first week after bids were extended in order to meet every new member and to share the history of the fraternity with us. Jim taught us the importance of Mu Chapter and what it took to “pass on the gift” for future generations. His dedication to our Brotherhood was immediately apparent to us all.

    I was fortunate to share many more fond memories with Jim throughout the years. I spoke with Jim all the time while he was our Alumni President and while I was living in the house. We shared many dinners at The Antlers and conversations in the West Lounge, on the Porch, and on the Beach. What I remember most fondly about Jim were his stories.I was continually amazed by what he had done in his life and by how much he had given to Cornell and Sigma Pi. He was one of the best storytellers I have ever met. It felt like Jim had an encyclopedic memory. He could truly command a room and deliver a punchline. When Jim talked, everyone listened. He was a true leader.

    My favorite memory with Jim was “The Centennial” weekend in September 2013. Jim had spent an enormous amount of time and effort planning this gathering. The celebration was an enormous success with hundreds of brothers visiting from around the world. After the Banquet dinner in the Statler, we had a fantastic after-party in the West Lounge with a performance by Jim’s friend, the famous pianist, Mark Nadler. I still treasure the copy of the “Centennial Book” Jim gave to me. He compiled and published this whole book himself. Jim always reminded me that few organizations at Cornell had ever reached 100 years of existence and that it took vigilance and effort to get there. Throughout it all, Jim was a driving force in the right direction.

    I will always remember Jim as a mentor and Brother who showed me the importance of being a selfless leader. We will miss you, Jim.

    -James Alvarez, ’16

18. Thank You, Jim

    My sincere condolences to Jim’s wife, Ruth, and the Keene family.

    Jim left an indelible mark on Mu Chapter. He was a champion of the House- its advocate, protector and historian.

    I am grateful to have spent time with Jim throughout the years and to have called him my Brother.

    A great man, Jim will be missed.

    Seth Mosner ’10

19. Jim Keene — Larger Than Life

    I first heard about Jim Keene when I was a pledge at Sigma Pi in my freshman year in 1960. Jim was big brother to Ken Meyer. And Ken was my big brother. Ken was already telling me larger-than-life stories about Jim. According to Ken, Jim was the guy managing the construction of an U.S. Air Force facility in Thule, Greenland in a very challenging environment in the frigid north, for Peter Kiewit and Jim was only two years out of Cornell. Frankly, all that didn’t mean much to me then. I was only a couple of years “fresh-off-the-boat” from China. Of course, Ken was impressing upon me the importance of my legacy at the fraternity.

    Years raced past. Jim and I finally crossed paths. It was graduation and alumni reunion weekend in June 1991 at Cornell. It was in the Arts Quad, in the midst of the beer tents and the booming rock music that we found each other. We located a table and chairs near the north end of the Quad where we sat down and got to know each other. Serendipity was a word I would describe about our conversations. In 1967-68, I spent 18 months in Nebraska. I was assigned to manage a crew up to 40 engineers and technicians to inspect the construction of Cooper Nuclear Station [CNS] in Brownville about 80 miles south of Omaha on the banks of the Missouri River. And the contractor was……. you guessed it….Peter Kiewit [PK]. I was young, inexperienced, and “wet behind the ears”. Jim knew all too well the PK people I worked with. And heavy-duty PK was one heck of a way to “baptize” me into heavy construction. And of all the places where Jim ended up in owning, refurbishing and upgrading a historic home was in Brownville, where I had practically lived. Then two people came by to say hello. They were members of the graduating class of 1991, and they knew other from their social circles at Cornell. One was Jim’s daughter, Ruth Ann, and the other was my son, John, a very small world. And John was probably the first ethnic Chinese ever born in Nemaha County, Nebraska. Jim talked about his career at PK. Like cream, and a giant among his peers, Jim rose to the top of the organization. It was an evening I came away even more awestruck by Jim’s character of a man and the larger-than-stories that Ken had talked out.

    Jim came to our Class of ’63 50th reunion at Sigma Pi at Cornell in June 2013, which was the last time I spent time with him. By then, Jim was already a legend among his fraternity brothers. His selfless dedication in service of the Mu Chapter and his contributions is incalculable. My one regret is not making time to revisit and spend time with Jim in Brownville, something I have always wanted to do. I am going to miss him.

    K. T. Mao Class of 1963
    In Zhuhai, China

    Deepest and sincerest condolences to Jim’s famiy.

20. Dedicated & Hardworking, as a Student & Alum

    Jim and I were good friends in 1955. I was one year ahead of him. Jim talked me into running for Sage, something I had never considered. I was quite busy with Crew, the Cornell marching band and playing in Tom Sanford’s dance combo, so, as an engineer, had little free time. With Jim’s fraternity leadership skills and popularity, I was a shoo-in for the job. During my term of office Jim was true to his word and was the fuel behind the engine. He did most of the work. He used to joke that he could perfectly forge my signature. He might as well have held the position. I remember our trip to NYC to hire a new cook and housekeeper to replace Freddie and John who had retired. While in NY Jim took us to his favorite pizza place and we all ended up sick as dogs. Except for that experience, our visit was successful and we hired Mr. and Mrs. Ripke, she as cook and he as houseman. The couple served us well. They lived in a refurbished room next to the pit, where I roomed with Fred Jensen. There are not many fraternities that have had as dedicated and hardworking a member as Jim Keene, both as a student and as an alum. I wish him and his family peace.

    Buck Cody ’56

21. Good Friend, Great Adventures

    Jim was a good friend during our years at Cornell. We had some great adventures —during our junior year we traveled to the national Sigma Pi convention in Los Angeles. Since the fraternity only paid one airfare, we flew out and hitched back.

    The brothers in California were so hospitable and arranged tours of the movie studios. We hitched all the way back to Ithaca, an adventure I’ll never forget.

    Jim was a great traveling companion— resourceful and fun to be with. I miss him!

    Frederick Krieger ’57