Keith James

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Oct 2nd, 2014

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Death Date: Oct 2, 2014

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Biography: Keith James, 71, of Little Rock passed away peacefully Thursday, October 2, 2014 at St. Vincent's Hospital in Little Rock. He was born in Searcy, Arkansas on July 9, 1943, the son of Jim Carroll James and Beaulah Head James. He attended the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and later graduated from Arkansas Tech University in Russellville. Keith will always be a legend in the Little Rock design scene, having created stunningly beautiful interiors across the state, region, and country. His influences were realized by the most prominent families in Arkansas and by many families across the nation. His reputation and talents brought him respect and admiration from local and regional interior design communities, as well as international recognition from Southern Accents, Veranda, Elle Decor, The New York Times, Architectural Digest, Southern Living, Soiree and At Home Arkansas. Keith was an inspiration to his clients and a consummate mentor to many local designers, always offering and freely giving of his time, knowledge, expertise, energy, and talents. To know Keith was to know a being with unwavering elegance and confidence, yet having a soul filled to the brim with compassion, generosity, and understated gumption. He was one of a kind. There will never be another Keith James. Period. He is preceded in death by his aforementioned parents and his great nephew, James Webb Killough. He is survived by his partner of 27 years, Jon Stone, dear friend Joanne Watson, and his adored Emma Claire. He is also survived by his brother, Nelson James, his wife, Georgia, and their family, brother Larry James, his wife, Mary Kay, and their family. He is further survived by his much beloved godchildren Michael Pollock, Jr., Lauren S. Kilgore, Natalie Sanderson, and Alice Matthews. A memorial service will be held at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral on Wednesday, October 8, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. Keith's family and friends extend a special acknowledgement to Laura Shiver and her family for their undying love and support. Furthermore, Keith's family and friends wish to thank the entire staff of St. Vincent's Hospital and Arkansas Hospice for their loving care, respect, and compassion. Memorials may be made to Arkansas Hospice and the Pulaski County Humane Society.

Condolences(19)

Mike Greenwell & Mike Humphrey

#19

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

We were very sad to hear about Keith. He was a one of a kind guy with great talent and style. It was our pleasure knowing him and we will always remember those fun times. Our condolences go out to Jon and Keith's family.

Valerie Erkman

#18

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I was so sad to learn of Keith's passing. My sincerest condolences to Jon and Keith's family. I will miss seeing him walking his dog in the evening and seeing him immaculately dressed heading to work or dinner each day. I wish I had had the chance to know him better.

Jeff Pledger

#17

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

My sincere condolences too Jon and Keith's family. I knew the day would come I have to express my thoughts at a time as this. Keith grew up down the street from me in Searcy and we became friends during my years in Little Rock. He and our friend Elizabeth McGee Turner all celebrated my birthday in Searcy this time last year-photos I'll cherish. I'll miss our phone chats the last he never got to return. His personality and interior design talent-phenomenal! Good bye dear friend. Rest in peace... Jeff Pledger, Searcy, AR.

Marsha and Mike Ballard

#16

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Such a loss...Keith was a gentle soul and a wonderful human being. We miss him greatly.

Dennis & Lea Ann Sorrows

#15

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

We were so saddened to learn of Keith's passing, Jon. I know you have loved,cared for & admired him for such a long time & what a huge part of your life he was. Please know you have our most sincere condolences & we pray all your cherished memories of Keith will comfort you in the days to come.

Ollga Elwood

#14

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

He will be missed. My sincere condolences.

Chris Stone

#13

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

My condolences.

Sarah Hartz

#12

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I am very sorry to learn that we have lost the wonderfully sweet and talented Keith. Please accept my sincere condolences and know that he will be missed by many.

Steve Davis

#11

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

My sincere condolences to Jon and Keith's family. Keith was a special and talented guy, and was always a genteel and caring person to me and everyone I know. He will be missed by so many and will forever be remembered by everyone with a big smile. Sorry that I could not make the services.

Michael Upson

#10

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Dr. and I send our condolences to you Jon and the rest of Keith's family. May wonderful memories of a wonder person sustain you during this sad time. You and his family are in our thoughts and Prayers.
Michael Upson and Jim Aukstuolis

Cindy Tracy

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

My mother- Betty Shannon do sincerely give our condolences to the James family and to Jon - I worked for Keith for several years in the late 70's - he was always full of surprises - was always a lot of fun & very inspiring as far as design between Inee, Hooker, & Keith I was always laughing- I shall never forget him - I still have pictures of him sitting on Santa's lap - he will truly be missed - love

Sissy and Scott Jones

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

We are so sorry. Keith has been a good friend for many years. Sissy and Scott Jones

ReBecca Van Patten Smith

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

A friend from high school, kin when we grew up. Always so pleasant & funny to be around. We will miss you.
Becca

Clare Seyer

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Keith lives in so many delightful memories and treasures he shared with us through his gift of love of beauty. He was the beautiful one, the radiant one, the gifted one.

Dana Green

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

My entire family adored this man. From great aunts to grandmother to grandchildren and everyone in between, he showed up and cared for all of us. What a terrible loss. We are all saddened and stunned that the world ticks on without this enormously talented, hysterically funny and precious man. We are so very proud to have known and loved him. What a gift he was to all of us.

Leslie McNevin

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Missing you, but know you're surrounded by love and laughter. Always in my heart, and your love, kindness and support are never forgotten.

Dena Yancey

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Keith brought grace and beauty to the world. He was a true artist and I will miss him very much.

Sandra Bruce Hill

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Keith was a very important figure in my brother's life and will be forever missed and remembered with only the most positive thoughts. I offer my sincere condolences to his family and so many others like my brother whose lives Keith touched.

Sandra Ballew

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

My heartfelt condolences to Jon Stone and Keith's family.
No words can ever express the sadness you must be feeling.
It sadden me to learn of his passing. A special person indeed.
R.I.P. Keith James. You were truly one of a kind.

Keith James

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