On January 9th, 2026, James Allen Keller, 92, passed away in his home surrounded by his family.
James was born in Devils Lake, North Dakota on November 13, 1933, to Everett and Mabel (Mikkelson) Keller and grew up on a farm near Bisbee, North Dakota. He graduated from Bisbee High School and attended North Dakota State University (NDSU), prior to serving as a Radio Teletype Operator in the United States Army. While serving, he spent time in Austria and Germany prior to receiving his honorable discharge and moving back to North Dakota. He married Areta Ruth Burrows on August 7, 1960, at Vincent United Methodist Church in Minot and they had three children – Mora Keller de Murguia (Chula Vista, California), Lee Keller (Minot, North Dakota), and Marla Keller (San Diego, California).
James was a bricklayer and aerial crop sprayer prior to purchasing Northwest Projector in 1966. He remained involved in the business into his 80’s.
He lived a life with meaning and connection to his community. Over the years, he was a member of Vincent United Methodist Church, a long-time board member of the Dakota Territory Air Museum and was a founding member of the Magic City Lion’s Club. The Magic City Lion’s Club and his fellow members were a very important part of James’ life. He held numerous local and district leadership positions, notably serving as President of his club and District Governor. James was also incredibly honored to have been inducted into the Lion’s Hall of Fame.
James loved hunting and fishing with his son, Lee. He and his wife, Areta, looked forward to their annual California trips to visit their daughters, Mora and Marla, and their grandchildren, Isabella, Sholeh, and Shayan. He became a voracious reader when he retired in his early 80’s, reading over 600 books. In recent times, James loved driving his scooter to the Farmer’s Market to buy pastries, goodies and socialize.
James overcame many challenges including paralysis from a plane crash, heart surgeries, several cancers, and strokes, and still maintained a positive outlook on life. He often told stories or sang to friends, family, and caregivers. His smile was infectious, and his eyes went misty when he laughed. He felt blessed to have many dear friends, doctors, therapists, nurses, and caregivers in his life. James was a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, and friend who will be deeply missed by many. He remained in his home until his passing – living life on his terms.
James is survived by his beloved children Mora Keller de Murguia (Valdemar Carvajal, husband); Lee Keller (Wendy Keller, wife); and Marla Keller (Borna Mozafari, husband); cherished grandchildren Isabella de Murguia, Sholeh Mozaffari, and Shayan Mozaffari and step-grandchildren Taylor Meland and Mattea Meland.
James was preceded in death by Areta Keller (wife), Mabel Keller (mother), Everett Keller (father), Patricia Wood (sister) and Mike Keller (brother).
Public Visitation: Thursday, January 15, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home – Minot.
A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 am on March 21, 2026, at Vincent United Methodist Church. A livestream of the service may be viewed by using the link in the website obituary.
Interment will be in Sunset Memorial Gardens – Minot.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Vincent United Methodist Church or Minot Commission on Aging – Meals on Wheels program.
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.thomasfamilyfuneralhome.com.
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