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Profiles in Giving
James Keyes, Class of 1948
“I hereby give, devise and bequeath.” It was with these simple words that James G. Keyes (’48) forever cemented his legacy at Messmer High School.
James G. Keyes passed away on July 27, 2003. He was born in 1929, then attended and graduated from Messmer High School in 1948. While a student, he served as a class officer, sang in the school choir, acted in the school plays, and was a member of the Catholic Students' Mission Crusade and the Sodality Committee. Mr. Keyes went on to serve his country in the Army and to graduate from Marquette University with a Bachelors of Science degree in Business Administration. From there, Mr. Keyes put his degree to good use as he worked in management in local factories.
Even after he left Messmer, Mr. Keyes always had a sincere love and respect for Messmer and for the education he received there. He was a firm believer in Catholic education. In fact, after his passing, it was discovered that Mr. Keyes kept his class ring and held on to numerous photographs documenting his time at Messmer.
Mr. Keyes wanted everyone to have the opportunity to attend private, Catholic schools and it troubled him greatly to hear that it was difficult for poor families, and even families who had an average income, to send their children to a good Catholic school. Mr. Keyes wanted to do something about the situation. So, after Mr. Keyes made sure that he had taken care of his loved ones, he made a simple bequest in his last will and testament that provided as follows:
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I hereby give, devise and bequeath all of the rest and residue of my property, wherever located and of whatever nature to MESSMER HIGH SCHOOL, with which they shall establish the JAMES G. KEYES and PATRICK C. KAZDA SCHOLARSHIP FUND, for the benefit of poor children regardless of race, creed, color or sexual orientation. |
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This bequest resulted in the establishment of a $160,000 scholarship fund at Messmer High School to help provide needy children with a high-quality, Catholic education and ensured that Mr. Keyes will be remembered fondly at Messmer for years to come.
For more information or to join the Our Lady of Messmer Society, please contact the Director of Advancement at (414) 264-5440 or development@messmerschools.org.
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