James Tom "Keychain" Burkeen

James Thomas "Keychain" Burkeen, 86, of Dyersburg, Tennessee died on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at AHC of Dyersburg in Dyersburg, Tennessee.

Born Tuesday, September 21, 1937, in Tiptonville, Tennessee, he was the son of the late J. Taft Burkeen and the late Kneely Josephine Sexton Burkeen. Mr. Burkeen was a retired welder for Dover Corporation. After his retirement he enjoyed being a flea market vendor and meeting many people whom several became lifelong friends. He proudly served his country in the United States Army.

Funeral services for Mr. Burkeen will be held at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, in the Chapel of Johnson-Williams Funeral Home. Officiating this service will be Bro. Jeff Smith. Interment will follow in Church Grove Cemetery in Newbern, Tennessee. Visitation for Mr. Burkeen will be held on Wednesday, from 10:00 AM until 1:00 PM at Johnson-Williams Funeral Home.

He leaves to cherish his memory; one daughter, Kathy Burkeen (Caregiver) of Dyersburg, Tennessee; four sons, Rick Burkeen (Debbie) of Trimble, Tennessee, Randy Burkeen of Paris, Tennessee, Billy Burkeen (Alicia) of Dyersburg, Tennessee and Bobby Burkeen (Angela) of Gibson County, Tennessee, one brother, Walter Burkeen(Alice) of Union City, Tennessee, one sister, Effie Ham (Elmer) of Dyersburg, Tennessee; one special niece, Mary Lewis; one special nephew, Jeff Ham and he was "Papaw" to his nine grandchildren, Michael Burkeen (Mornin), Crystal Mercer (John), Heather Peevyhouse (Shannon), Jason Tidwell, Jennifer Reynoso (Felipe), Dustin Burkeen (Megan), Megan Burkeen, Skylar  Wilson and Chase Irving; fifteen great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Doris Maxine Luthe Burkeen; two brothers, Marvin Burkeen and Carl Burkeen and two grandsons, Ricky Burkeen, Jr. and Bradley Wayne Burkeen.

Honoring Mr. Burkeen as pallbearers will be Jason Tidwell, Dustin Burkeen, Maddox Reynoso, Aden Reynoso, Cayden Peevyhouse and Connor Peevyhouse. Honorary pallbearers will be Jeff Ham, Jim Taylor and Butch Hogg.

Online condolences may be made to the family at johnsonwilliamsfuneralhome.com. Johnson-Williams Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of James Thomas "Keychain" Burkeen.

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