James E. Keis

James Keis, 72, affectionately known to many as "Jimmy" or "Hawk" passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at his home. He was born in Jamestown, Pennsylvania on June 27, 1950 the son of James K. and Margaret A. (Bradley) Keis.

Jimmy was a 1968 graduate of Niles McKinley High School and retired in June of 2016 after working over forty five years at Niles Expanded Metals. He married Barbara Drab on September 12, 1974, and they raised their family in Niles. They were married for 46 years at the time of her passing and were members at St. Stephen Church.

In short, Jimmy loved all sports. He was an avid fan of the Cleveland Indians, Browns, Cavaliers; Pirates, Penguins; Lake County Captains, Akron RubberDucks, Mahoning Valley Scrappers and Youngstown State Penguins. He was very proud to have attended every opening day for the Cleveland Indians since 1969. He made many friends over the years at the Wahoo Club luncheons and made friendships with ushers in the various ball parks. He was once interviewed for a fan's perspective on the Cleveland Indians by a local newspaper. He also enjoyed high school football and enjoyed going to the High School State Championships in Canton every December.

Jimmy is survived by four children, Michael R. (Theresa) Rendziniak of Mineral Ridge, Stephanie (Darryn) Paul of Austintown, Jason A. Keis at home in Niles, Jennifer L. (Edward) Joseph of Niles; five grandchildren, Nikki Rendziniak, Michael Rendziniak Jr., Gillian Paul, Nicholas Paul, Colin Joseph; great grandson, Ezra; sister, Margaret "Susie" (Tom) Williams of Niles; sister-in-law, Donna (Terrence) Glodde of Kinsman; several nephews and his beloved dog, Pepper. He was preceded in death by his father in 1985, his mother in 2014, his wife Barbara in 2020 and a sister Donna Lelesch in 2019.

Jimmy made many friends over the years and when you spoke to him, you knew he was truly a genuine person who believed in the good in people. Most talks ended with a smile or a laugh. He was quick to help in a pinch by all who knew him. He was very proud of the family he and his wife created, he was a remarkable, kind soul that will be truly missed. In honor of Jimmy, the family would like to celebrate him.

If you happen to stop by the funeral home, please feel free to wear your favorite sports team attire as he would have enjoyed the nod to him and to sports fans. If not, maybe reach out to a loved one, share a cup of coffee, let them know you love them as time is never promised.

Calling hours will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday May 23, 2023 at the Holeton-Yuhasz Funeral Home. The funeral will be at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday May 24, 2023 at the funeral home. Burial will be in Niles City Cemetery.

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