Bernard James "Jim" Keown

March 20, 2026

CHARLOTTE – Petty Officer Third Class Bernard James "Jim" Keown passed away Friday, March 20, 2026, peacefully in his sleep.  He was born on April 5, 1958, in Denver, CO to Bernard James Keown and Tonette Keown.

A loving father, grandfather. and Navy veteran, Jim carried the light and hope of Jesus Christ to others everywhere he went and in every conversation he held.  He strived to live his life as a beloved child of God, a loving father and grandfather, and a faithful brother to all he encountered.  Jim served God faithfully as the church sexton for St Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church in Charlotte.  He was also an avid Denver Broncos fan and loved the mountains.

Jim is survived by his wife, Catherine; son, John (Meagan); two grandsons; his sister, Shelly and many dear friends in Colorado.  He was preceded in death by his parents and younger brother, Robbie. 

Funeral Services for Jim will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, March 30, 2026, at St. Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.  Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery.  The service will be livestreamed through the church website at: https://www.stnektarios.org/new_webcast for those unable to attend in person.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be offered in memory of Jim to St. Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church, Attn: Beautification Fund, 5108 Kuykendall Road, Charlotte, NC 28270.

May His Memory Be Eternal.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606.  Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.

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  • Angelo

    I only got to know Jim over the span of 1 year in st nektarios. And he was the most kind and funny person I ever met there, and he really was a faithful servant to God

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  • Bill Taylor

    Jim was my oldest and dearest friend. Closer than a brother in our younger days. I have no words to properly express the sadness and pain I feel… but I know he is at peace with Jesus now and I rejoice!
    Heartfelt prayers to Cathy, John, Shelly, and the rest of the family.

    I will miss you, old friend…. But I will see you again!

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  • Ken & Leanne Bailey

    Our sincere condolences and prayers for your family.

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  • Dimetry Loren

    From the first day I met Jim he was so full of faith, kindness and warmth. Jim was always willing to help and and did so cheerfully. My condolence to his family and friends. May his memory be eternal!

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  • Paul Young

    I only spoke with Jim during my Chrismation and then one time afterwards. I promised to reach out to him and get to know him better. That was not God's plan but it was a lesson to me when I say I will make further contact, i will do so more quickly. I wanted to get to know him better as I saw him in action serving people and I admired and respected him,
    We will meet again. To God be the Glory.

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  • Charles Helms

    Jim was a Good Guy! I always like him, since the first time I met him in Colorado! When he moved to Lancaster I got to know him even Better! We always talked about a lot of different subjects and he was well versed in almost anything! I along with others will miss him! His Faith was Strong! RIP Jim!!

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