James Key

James F. Key, 91, formerly of Tremont, passed away Friday, March 1, 2024 at Snyder Village in Metamora.

He was born July 6, 1932 in Peoria to George and Aster Irish Key. He married Carolyn Kay Moore on August 21, 1960, and she passed away March 23, 2015.

Surviving are his children, David (Sharon) Key of Morton and Debbie (Ron) Livengood of Franklin, KY; five grandchildren; one brother, Jerry Key of Metamora; and one sister, Jeannine Nance of Frankford Square.

When younger, Jim worked for the Peoria Journal Star delivering papers and worked as caddie at the Peoria Country Club.  After high school, Jim attended Bradley University and majored in business.  While at Bradley, he was drafted into the Army and served two years at Camp Wendell in California.  He worked at Caterpillar for 35 years, retiring as a parts book editor in the publications department.

Jim enjoyed the outdoors and loved to take care of his vegetables and flower gardens.  He was a member of the Tremont Lions Club, Pekin Moose Lodge, and the Tremont Athletic Boosters. He attended the Tremont Baptist Church, where he ushered and was involved with the Men’s Club.

Jim worked for the Tremont Turkey Festival for many years cooking and preparing turkeys. He enjoyed watching boys and girls athletics for Tremont, Morton, Bradley, ISU, and Duke.  He also enjoyed cheering for his beloved Cubs and Bears teams. He enjoyed playing in a golf league, poker, and bunko with his friends, and socializing.  He loved spending time with his family, taking them on numerous vacations, and supporting them in their activities.

A memorial service will be at 10:00 am Friday, March 15, 2024 at Tremont Baptist Church.  Pastor Noah Lee will officiate.  Visitation will be one hour before the service at the church.  Burial of cremated remains will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin. Davis-Oswald Funeral Home in Tremont is handling the arrangements.

Jim loved Jesus and is now with his loved ones in Heaven.

The family would like to thank Snyder Village and DIVAS Hospice for the wonderful care he received. 

Memorials may be made to Tremont Baptist Church or Snyder Village

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James Key, please visit our floral store.