The Legacy of an Honorary Cub

By Tom O'Keefe '64, Retired Director of Planned Giving

Jim O'Keefe

My older brother, Jim O'Keefe, passed away in December of 2018. Jim lost a very short battle with cancer. Jim's journey and how he came to fully endow a Circle of Care scholarship through a combination of current and planned giving is interesting.

Jim did not attend U of D Jesuit. After graduating from college, he served honorably in the Army and then moved to Kauai, Hawaii. After 29 years in Hawaii, Jim moved back to Michigan to be close to family.

Spending time with me and hearing me talk about the school and especially the students, Jim was quietly becoming inspired. He would question me about the school and what it was all about. With no spouse and no children, Jim began to think seriously about his legacy. One day, when we were sitting around the kitchen table, Jim announced that he wanted to fully endow a scholarship. He felt that this would be his legacy. At the time, this was more of an intellectual and financial decision, but the connection that evolved was a wonderful bonus.

Jim was inspired by the Circle of Care scholarship recipients and had the opportunity to meet and spend time with his sponsored students and their parents. Jim always admitted that he was not a great student, and he was blown away by how well-spoken and inspiring these young men were. The students write letters each year to update their sponsors and Jim saved every letter. He would ask me if I was sure the letters were actually written by students. He held in his hands the evidence of what his scholarship was helping them achieve and it delighted him.

When Jim knew that he was not going to survive the cancer, he told my wife, Jan, that this was one of the best decisions he had made and how much pleasure it gave him to support the boys and the school. With my devotion to the school, I supplied the example, but the Holy Spirit moved him to step up and help create something larger than himself. The rewards of that decision certainly paid benefits to both student and sponsor. Jim took comfort and solace in knowing that his assistance would live on long after he was gone.

R.I.P., big brother. Go Cubs!

To learn how you can make a lasting impact on U of D Jesuit for generations to come, contact Jenny Miller P'20, P'22 at 313-927-2335 or jennifer.miller@uofdjesuit.org.