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James E. Keefe

January 1, 1970 - February 7, 2006

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HOPKINTON — James E. Keefe, 63, of Hopkinton, died Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2006, at his home, following a long illness.

He was the husband of Judith G. (Gillett) Keefe.

Born in Framingham, he was the son of the late William and Pauline (Bouret) Keefe.

Mr. Keefe explored all avenues of life, first challenged while a student of the Hopkinton school system, where he was especially proud of passing Miss Harris’ chemistry class with flying colors. He attended the University of Connecticut as a philosophy major.

Throughout his life, he studied music, philosophy and Russian, German, French and Gaelic languages, voraciously reading on a wide variety of subjects and avidly exploring esoteric studies.

An enthusiast of Celtic music and culture, he used his musical talents during the 1960s playing in the Epics and Souls bands and Bill McManus Quartet, and he had played the saxophone in the school band. A bass guitarist for Jerry Seeco’s second band, he became an accomplished Dobro guitar player, and could play almost any instrument. He was well-known for his jam sessions at all times of the day and night.

One of the first 100 employees at the former Prime Computer Co., he recently retired from his position as buyer/planner at Harris Corp. in New Hampshire. He served the town of Hopkinton, which he loved, working for Nelson McIntire cutting grass and digging graves at the local cemeteries, and serving on the first government study committee. He was elected later to the position of Commissioner of Trust Funds.

Mr. Keefe loved going to the Grand Prix races in Watkins Glen, N.Y., with his son and often went to the old Westborough Speedway and Thompson Speedway in Connecticut. He was a past master of the John Warren Lodge and a sustaining member of the Scottish Rite Bodies in the Valley of Boston.

Besides his wife, he leaves his son, the Rev. B. Kerry Keefe and his wife, Aydee, of Spencer; his brothers, Dennis Keefe of Hopkinton and William John Keefe of Charlotte, N.C.; and grandchildren, Miguel, Daniel and Jocelyn He was the brother of the late Pauline Desiata and Nancy Benson.

A funeral will be private for immediate family and invited guests.

Visiting hours will be held Friday, Feb. 10, from 5 to 8 p.m., at the Chesmore Funeral Home (www.chesmorefuneralhome.com), 57 Hayden Rowe St., Hopkinton. The John Warren Lodge will hold a Masonic service at 7 p.m.

The family asks that memorial donations be made to either the Hopkinton Fire Department, 73 Main St.; or the Hopkinton Police Department, 74 Main St., Hopkinton, MA 01748.