James William (Jim) Keyser, Sr., age 85, born November 5, 1935, in Alleghany County, Virginia, passed on Friday, July 2, 2021 in Bristol Regional Medical Center.

He graduated from Central High School in Low Moor, Virginia in 1953 and attended Greenbrier Military Institute in Lewisburg, WV. Following Greenbrier, he attended the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Virginia, where he excelled at playing football, receiving awards in 1956 for the All ACC first team and in 1957 he was awarded for being the top lineman in the State of Virginia. He continued on to play on a professional football team, the Montreal Alouettes in Montreal, Canada.

Jim retired from Sears after 35 years of traveling, making memories, and meeting many wonderful friends and coworkers along the way.

He was passionate about working hard for the things you desire in life and was at one time nicknamed UVA's "hardest working player". He was dedicated to providing for his family and being an incredible, loving "Papaw" to all of his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Eddie Arnold Keyser, and Delma Fridley Neal Keyser; son, James William "Jimmy" Keyser, Jr.; infant granddaughter, Christi Lea Keyser; sisters, Pattie Keyser, and Ellen Keyser Stull; and brothers, Kenny Keyser and Edward Keyser.

He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Mildred Golden Keyser of Abingdon, VA; son, John Keyser of Sugar Grove, VA; grandchildren, Katlyn Keyser of Rural Retreat, VA, Samantha Handy and husband, Tyler of Fort Campbell, KY, Leah Keyser of Sugar Grove, VA, Molly Keyser of Sugar Grove, VA, and Heather Keyser of Bridgeport, WV; great grandchildren, Kaylee May, Lucas Handy, and Bella Handy; special friends, Patty and Nikki Jackson; and many other close friends.

Honoring Jim's request, a private memorial service will be held at a later date.