James J. Keating, Sr.

James “Jim” Keating, Sr. age 78, of Salem, NH, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at Lawrence General Hospital, with his wife of 50 years, Carol, by his side.

Jim was born on June 16, 1947, to Myrtha (Friedrich) and Joseph Keating and was raised in Lawrence, MA. He attended local schools and graduated from Lawrence High School in 1966. After working as a mechanic, Jim began a distinguished career in law enforcement, joining the Massachusetts State Police in 1970 and graduating with the 54th Recruit Training Troop.

For more than two decades, Jim proudly served the Commonwealth in a variety of roles, including Station Commander of the Concord Barracks. He retired with the rank of Lieutenant. Following his retirement from the State Police, Jim continued his commitment to public service as a Court Security Officer at the Federal Courts in Boston.

In recent years, Jim most cherished attending the sporting events of those who called him “Grampy,” cheering on his grandchildren at football, soccer, wrestling, hockey, and lacrosse games.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Carol (Markey) Keating; their three sons, Joe and his wife Teesha of Derry, NH; Ryan and his fiancé Hannah of Madbury, NH; and James Jr. and his wife Chelsea of Methuen, MA. He was a proud grandfather to eight grandchildren: Ronin, Sienna, Liam, Aidan, Ethan, Connor, Jameson, and Riley. He is also survived by his brothers-in-law, James and Daniel Markey, eight nieces, along with many extended family members and friends who will miss him dearly.

Family and friends are invited to calling hours on Sunday December 28, 2025 from 3pm to 6pm at the Goundrey Dewhirst Funeral Home 42 Main St. Salem, NH. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday December 29 at 10:30am at Mary Queen of Peace Church 200 Lawrence Rd. Salem, NH. Burial will be in Ridgewood Cemetery N. Andover. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Jim may be made to Tunnel to Towers, 2361 Hylan Blvd. Staten Island, NY., 10306 or at t2t.org. To leave an online condolence, please visit Jim’s tribute page at www.goundreydewhirstfuneral.com.

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