James "Jim" Howard Key II's Obituary
James “Jim” Howard Key, II, passed away on June 19, 2012 in Memphis, TN. Jim was born in Milan, TN, on October 5, 1952. He grew up in Jackson, TN, and graduated from Jackson Central High School in 1970. He earned his B.S. in Electrical Engineering at Mississippi State University in 1975, and began his career at NASA as a computer specialist in the satellite program. Jim worked in the computer programming and telecommunications industries for 35 years, most recently as a Senior Telecom Consultant for Hewlett-Packard. Jim is preceded in death by his parents, James Howard Key and Frances Hilliard, and by his stepfather, Joe Crosby. He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Sharon Key, and by two daughters, Amy Key Mirdo and Elizabeth Key. His first grandchild, Lyda Elizabeth Mirdo, is expected in September 2012. Jim enjoyed playing the clarinet and the piano. He was active in The Church of the River, and sang bass in their “Awesome Little Choir.” His passions included music and the arts, travel, technology, philosophy, and current events. Jim was a kindhearted and generous man, and was beloved by all who knew him. He will be sorely missed. A Memorial Service will be held at the First Unitarian Church (“Church of the River”) on Saturday, June 30, at 11:00 AM. The family invites all of Jim’s friends to come celebrate his life with them. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Charles A. Schulz Scholarship within the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music at the University of Memphis. University of Memphis Foundation, Department 238, P.O. Box. 1000, Memphis, TN 38148 Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Ave. Memphis, TN 38119, (901)767-8930, “Behind the Stone Wall”.
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