Obituary of James Calvin Keys Sr.

James C. Keys, Sr. of Edinburg, VA, formerly of Loudoun County, VA, born November 9, 1926, passed peacefully to his eternal home on April 23, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. He was predeceased by his wife of 59 years, Myrtle V. Keys and a daughter, Marilyn L. Barber.  He is survived by his son, James C. Keys, Jr., his daughters Janet M. Ackerman, Barbara J. Miller and Karen V. Walker, his grand and great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. 

He was a WWII veteran and and became a machinist by trade and was employed for 37 years as the shop foreman at Allen-Mitchell & Co. in Washington D.C.  He was a long time member of Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church and Union Forge United Methodist Church and established many life long friendships with other members, always having a willingness to help others. One of his proudest achievements was being a loyal member of the Ashburn-Sterling Masonic Lodge #288.  He later became worshipful master of the lodge and finally serving as District Deputy Grand Master. He has now laid down his working tools.

Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family, especially hearing the laughter of his great grandchildren.  Some of his hobbies were hunting, fishing, gardening and reading.  In his retirement, he took up the hobby, along with his son, of purchasing and restoring old tractors. Often times they made their own replacement parts, spending many hours together in their shop. He and his son attended many steam shows and participated in numerous local fairs demonstrating the old farm equipment, most of which they had restored together. 

He loved talking to people and would gladly explain the workings of the machinery to anyone who was interested.  He never met a stranger and would sit and talk with anyone who had the time. He will be deeply missed by all who loved him.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Union Forge United Methodist Church or a charity of your choice.