James Paul Keller, 93, of Ocean View, Delaware, passed away peacefully on December 29, 2024, at the Delaware Hospice Center in Milford. Born on May 8, 1931, in Spraggs, Pennsylvania, Paul was the third of fourteen children born to James Edward and Roxie Bell Keller. He lived a life defined by resilience, hard work, and determination.

Growing up during the Great Depression, Paul learned the value of hard work at an early age. From his first job as a school janitor at eleven years old to working in the coal mines as a teenager, he developed a strong work ethic that would serve him well throughout his life. He was a quick learner and a skilled problem-solver, always finding ways to improve upon existing methods. This ingenuity led him to earn four patents and three co-patents throughout his career.

In 1950, Paul enlisted in the U.S. Army. His mechanical aptitude led him to become a master mechanic and heavy equipment operator, serving as an instructor at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. He later joined the Air Force in a special program, where he established a heavy equipment school in England.

After his military service, Paul embarked on a successful career in the construction and engineering industries. He co-founded a thriving insulation company, where his innovative ideas and patented inventions led to significant growth.

His expertise in underwater exploration and recovery led him to work at Oceaneering International and the Alcoa Aluminum Company, where he played a key role in recovering the Challenger space shuttle, designing the sharks for the Jaws ride at Disney World, and other notable projects.

Throughout his life, Paul traveled the world, working in Canada, Cambodia, Vietnam, Japan, Thailand, and Brazil. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, and his love for the Chesapeake Bay led him to build a 43-foot sportfishing vessel with a friend, on which he spent many memorable weekends with friends and family.

In 1998, Paul retired and sold his boat and home in Mitchellville, MD. He and Gloria moved to Ocean View, Delaware, where they enjoyed their retirement years. He started a successful handy-man business, and could often be found helping his neighbors, or delivering Meals on Wheels, or volunteering at the VFW.

Paul married Joann Crawford in 1954 and had two children, J Paul and Peggy Joann "PJ". He married Gloria Fontana in 1970 with whom he had one son, Christopher Nicholas.

In addition to his three children, he is survived by his eight siblings, Ruby Rider, Doris Braun, Barb Wise, Patricia Rogers, Ronald Keller, Donald Keller, John Keller, and Richard Keller; daughters in law, Julie and Yanira; three grandchildren, Jason Alexander, Jamie Marissa, and Jaeden Patrick, and numerous loving nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife Gloria Fontana Keller and his five siblings Robert Keller, Charles Keller, Joanne King, William Keller, and Wilma Jane Keller.

Paul will be remembered for his unwavering determination, his mechanical ingenuity, and his adventurous spirit. He lived a full and remarkable life, leaving a legacy for his family and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1 o'clock on January 18, 2025, at the Mason Dixon VFW Post #7234, 29265 Marshy Hope Way, Ocean View, DE 19970.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Paul to Mason Dixon VFW Post #7234, 29265 Marshy Hope Way, Ocean View, DE 19970 or Cheer (Meals on Wheels) 30637 Cedar Neck Rd, Ocean View, DE 19970.