KEENAN, JAMES ALVIN May 7, 1948 - March 3, 2006 A gifted musician and teacher is gone. Jim Keenan, 57, left this world on Friday, March 3, 2006, in peace, surrounded by a family as large in its love for him as it is in numbers. Jim's immediate and extended family stayed by his side throughout his illness and will receive friends and relatives on Monday, March 6 to celebrate his life. He was the husband of Sabina (Khoury) Keenan, and the father of Kouri, 27, and Megan, 24. As father, husband, brother, son, and friend, Jim was a devotee of great music, good food, and above all, love. Just weeks before he died, Jim's family celebrated Christmas with him in a gathering reminiscent of so many over the years where all eyes were on this pianist and singer whose genius was matched by his warmth. Jim was born to Frank (d. 1999) and Margaret (Cummins) Keenan (d. 1986) in Bath on May 7, 1948. The third eldest of 13 children, Jim was a kind and gentle person throughout his life. He emanated love, peace, and harmony. Among the gifts he so generously shared with others were his musical talent, his inimitable wit, and his open heart. His life was marked by excellence and achievement. From age 14, he played piano and organ and sang for countless functions - graduations, community dances, weddings, funerals. He also sang tenor for the Fredericton-based group, Four by Four. Jim began his career in education as a graduate from New Brunswick Teachers' College, where he was valedictorian of his graduating class. He then went on to complete a Bachelor of Teaching Degree from St. Thomas University. As an Honours graduate of Saint Thomas he wore his STU ring with great pride. While teaching, he continued his own studies and earned a Bachelor of Education with Distinction from the University of New Brunswick. Jim was an exemplary English teacher in District 18 for 27 years, starting at Nashwaaksis Junior High and later at Fredericton High School. His caring and dedication touched each student and he went the extra distance to support and encourage those with greater needs. Jim's legacy lives on in his children, Kouri, and Megan, who value their father's principles and integrity and share his passion for music. Megan, an accomplished vocalist, is studying musical theatre at Randolph Academy in Toronto. Kouri has followed in his father's musical and education footsteps. He is a talented musician, and is also studying and teaching at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver. Jim was a loving and supportive brother to his three sisters and nine brothers: Eileen (Jim) Cullen, Saint John; Lou (Bonnie), Fredericton; John (d. 1986); Gene (Peggy), Winnipeg; Neil (Brenda), Florenceville; Charles (Maxine), Quispamsis; Gary (Vicki), Woodstock; Mary (Garry) Fawley, Vancouver; Mark (Nancy), Mactaquac; Joe (Sandy), Woodstock; Sheila (Dr. Mark Cohen), Toronto; and Matt (Catherine), Calgary. He cherished his connections with countless nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Jim's family by marriage was also very dear to him and the Khoury family loved him as their own. Jim was a teacher well beyond the bounds of a classroom. He leaves many people who have learned substantial life lessons from him. And if a life well lived can be measured by the love and the peace with which one leaves this world, Jim Keenan's life was a great and enduring success. The family will receive friends from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Monday, March 6 at McAdam's Funeral Home, 160 York St., Fredericton. The funeral will be held Tuesday, March 7, at 12:05 p.m. at St. Dunstan's Church, Regent St., Fredericton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Jim Keenan Memorial Scholarship Fund or a charity of choice. If I had a flower for every time I think of you, I could walk forever in my garden.