James "Jim" Vincent Kehoe

“Jim” Kehoe, 92, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 23, 2025, in his Asheville, NC home with his wife and partner of nearly 50 years, Helen, by his side.

Born November 19, 1932 in Brooklyn, New York, he was the first of four children born to Mary Elizabeth O’Keefe and James Henry Kehoe. In 1953 he married Margaret “Peggy” Vessenmeyer and was later divorced. They had three children, Kevin Michael, Maura Ann, and James Scott. Jim married Helen Bowser-Wagner in 1976 .  

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Helen, his children, Maura (Gregory) and James (Carol). He was preceded in death by his parents, his eldest son, Kevin (Donna), his brother John, and sisters Anna Ucci and Marianne Hause.

“G” was a devoted grandfather to 11 grandchildren Kelly Harris Hudes (Adam), Ryan Kehoe (Jocelyn), Brendan Kehoe, Gregory Harris Jr. (Katherine), Kathryn Harris (James), James Kehoe (Erin), Julianne Moss (Gregory), Sean Kehoe, Christopher Kehoe, Matthew Harris (Alvaro Santamaria), and Elizabeth Stearns (Samuel). “GG Jim” also has 11 great grandchildren Ella, Lucy, Maxwell, Alexander, Henry, Emily, Hannah, Benjamin, Grant, Evelyn, and Elijah. His many nieces and nephews will remember him as a loving uncle. 

Jim was the first person in his family to attend college, graduating Summa Cum Laude from City College of New York in 1958 with a degree in Chemical Engineering, working full time at night while attending classes during the day. He earned a Master of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from the Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn, graduating first in his class. Jim served as a Corporal in the United States Army, stationed at Fort Lee Virginia during the Korean War.

Jim rose through the ranks at Pfizer Pharmaceutics to become Vice President of Pharmaceutical Manufacturing. Upon retirement from Pfizer, he transitioned to Becton Dickinson as President of the Immuno-Diagnostic Division and later to Chiron Corporation a biotechnology company in Emeryville, CA. He was a Senior Consultant at Genesis Group, Inc., a Director at Signature Capital LLC, and served on the Board at VIRxSYS Corp. Jim founded Highmark Associates, a head-hunting firm for chemical engineers and owned an automobile repair shop in Norristown, PA. He was a true jack of all trades.

Upon retiring to Asheville in 1999 he continued to be active, mentoring a long list of family, friends and beyond who sought his advice (and some who didn’t!). He was an enthusiastic volunteer who worked with SCORE and taught classes at the College of Seniors at UNC Asheville in a variety of subjects. Jim was active in the Beaverdam Run community where he lived and served on the Board as Treasurer for many years.

He was a hard worker who enjoyed a successful and fulfilling career(s) and loved what he did but what he loved most was his family, The adventures and achievements of his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews gave him great joy. He attained his goal of attending each of his grandchildren’s college graduations, he danced with his granddaughters at their weddings, and shared in the joy of his grandsons’ marriages. He was a natural storyteller sharing both his myriad life adventures and experiences as well as making a dull story interesting. G/GGJim, Uncle Jim spent countless hours reading to the younger generations that adored him, instilling a lifelong love of books and imagination.

Jim had a passion for history, particularly the American Civil War. His bookshelves, filled to the brim with biographies, military accounts, Harry Potter, Shel Silverstein, and Graeme Base, told the story of a mind ever curious, playful and reflective. A master of the daily New York Times crossword puzzle made him a formidable opponent at game nights where Trivial Pursuit, Scrabble and card games were always in rotation.

A good and kind man of quiet wit, deep intellect, and a gin martini always stirred – not shaken – Jim lived life on his own terms. He appreciated the simple pleasures and the richness of a well-lived life characterized by humor, warmth, generosity, and a positive attitude. These qualities served him effectively through numerous challenges in life. He always played the “Hand he was dealt” with composure and poise.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to MountainCare Adult Day Services. Memorial donations can be made online at www.mountainncareservices.org, or checks mailed to MountainCare 105 King Creek Blvd., Hendersonville, NC 28792.

A celebration/memorial service will be held on Saturday June 28, 2025 at 11 AM at Morris Funeral Home, 304 Merrimon Avenue, Asheville, NC.

A reception with a light lunch and refreshments will follow at the Beaverdam Run Clubhouse, 54 Clubside Dr, Asheville, NC, where friends and family will gather to share memories and celebrate Jim’s remarkable life.

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