James J. Kieran, 82, of Scottsdale, AZ, passed away peacefully on May 16, 2001 at his son's home in Peoria, AZ. He was born in NYC, Aug. 16, 1918 and was a graduate of City College of NY. An Army 1st Lt. in WWII, Jim was awarded a Purple Heart for injuries received during the Anzio Beach landing. While recuperating, he met, and later married, Mary Geraldine O'Shea, an Army nurse from Niagara Falls.

They moved to Levittown where Jim was a founding member of the Levittown Volunteer Fire Dept., captain of the Rescue Squad and fire chief from 1957-1958. A member of the NC Board of Fire Commissioners from 1959 to 1965, he served as commissioner of the Levittown Fire Dept. in 1961 and as chairman of the entire board in 1964. Jim managed the Sears automotive departments in Levittown and, later, Hicksville.

In 1966, the family relocated to Scottsdale, AZ, where Jim worked for various Motorola divisions until his retirement in 1974. Active for many years in St. Maria Goretti Catholic community, Jim also served as their volunteer carpenter, building whatever was needed, from temporary altars to Easter crosses and Santa's workshops. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus. An avid outdoorsman, he was Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 375 from 1966 to 1972. Jim loved to plan hunting, camping and fishing expeditions with his many friends and family.

In 1976, he decided to return to work, this time at the City of Phoenix Verde River Water Treatment facility. Jim's fourth and final retirement came in 1983.

A devoted husband, father and grandfather, he was preceded in death by his wife, Gerry, in 1997. He will be greatly missed by his four daughters, Peggy Rubach of Mesa/Phoenix, AZ, Virginia Valdez of Springfield, IL, Patricia M. Kieran of Scottsdale, and Mary J. McCormick of Springfield; two sons, James J. (Vicki) Kieran and Thomas G. (Jody) Kieran both of Peoria, AZ; a brother, William C. Kieran of Pawling, NY; 21 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Arrangements were made by the Messinger Mortuary & Chapel, Scottsdale. Funeral Mass at St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church. Interment with military honors at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, Phoenix. Donations in his memory can be made to the St. Mary's Food Bank, 28341 N. 31st Ave., Phoenix, AZ or a charitable organization of your choice.