Keith "Smoke" James

Keith “Smoke” James, 68, of Zanesville, died at 1:15 P.M. on Saturday, January 27, 2024 surrounded by his loving family. He was born February 12, 1955, in Zanesville, a son of the late Glenford “Glenn” and Gloria (Roberts) James. Keith “Smoke” enjoyed riding motorcycles, playing with fur babies and sitting on the porch watching his hummingbirds. He was a member of the VFW George Selsam Post 1058, a former Mason, a member of the York Scottish Rite and a volunteer Fireman and EMT on the Perry Township Fire Department.

He is survived by his loving wife of 11 years, Melissa (McClurg) James, whom he married on November 10, 2012; three children, Tess James, Ryan Egnot and Alicia Dailey; three sisters, Jeanie (Mark) Everett, Gloria (Jim) Dalessandri and Lora (Mike) Tilton-Wisecarvert; three brothers, Danny (Tina) James, Doug (Bev) James and Jay James; six grandchildren, Arlana “Lanie” James, Kayleann (John) Carpenter, Zaydin, Nazir, Aria and Desmond. two great granddaughters, Abbey and Dottie Carpenter; two nephews, Jason and Kirkland James; two nieces, Abbey Mae and Savannah McKee; a mother in law, Diana Stivers; a sister in law, Jenny (David) McKee; many additional special nieces and nephews; and fur babies,Paco, Pedro and Brutus.

In addition to his parents, Keith is preceded in death by his sister, Pam McDole; a brother, Russ James; and two brother in laws, Keith Tilton and Gary McDole.

Friends and family may call from 2:00-4:00 P.M. and 6:00-8:00 P.M. on Wednesday, January 31, 2024 at BOLIN-DIERKES FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 1271 BLUE AVENUE, ZANESVILLE where funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, February 1, 2024 with Chaplain Tim Patton officiating. Keith will be laid to rest at Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Zanesville.

The family would like to send a special thanks to the nurses and staff at Genesis Hospice Morrison House for their excellent and compassionate care of Keith during his brief battle with lung and liver cancer.

To send a note of condolence, or to order flowers or comfort food: visit www.bolin-dierkesfuneralhome.com, follow us on Facebook, or call our professional staff at (740)452-4551.