James Charles Keidel

James Charles Keidel, Esq.

December 21, 1962 – March 15, 2024

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of James Charles Keidel on March 15, 2024. Beloved husband, extraordinary father, loving brother, devoted friend, and dedicated attorney,

James (Jim)—son of Charlotte (Wahl) and Richard Keidel—was born in Far Rockaway, growing up in Valley Stream and Malverne, New York. He grew up alongside his older siblings, Jane and Rick, along with his best friend, Peter, spending his summers at the beach in East Hampton, New York, sailing and perfecting the art of clamming. Jim spent many years of his youth with the Boy Scouts, looking forward to their annual survival camping trips and the building and racing of pine wood derby cars. From a young age, Jim was full of energy and a motivated “go-getter.” Whether it was shoveling snow, cleaning oil burners, making deliveries for the local newspaper, butcher, and flower shop, or even waiting tables, he accumulated a plethora of life skills that helped build character and stamina and were of much use throughout his life.

Jim was a graduate of Hofstra University and Brooklyn Law School. He began his law career interning for the Brooklyn D.A.’s office and then working for Metropolitan Life Insurance Company in New York City, before joining an upstate New York law firm specializing in the representation of insurance agents and brokers. Eventually establishing a solo insurance practice in White Plains, New York, he was an annual presenter of seminars to members of Big I NY for over 30 years. It was the seminars that Jim especially enjoyed participating in, as he was very much a teacher at heart.

As a resident of Ridgefield, Connecticut for 25 years, Jim served on the local Insurance and Risk Management Committee from 2002 -2015, the Ridgefield Board of Education from 2015-2019, as well as serving as a Ridgefield Justice of the Peace for over 20 years.

Jim met his wife, Cantrece (Kit), while working in New York City with whom he shared a joyous and loving union for 34 years. Along this journey, they welcomed into their lives two beautiful and loving daughters, Kloe and Phoebe who shared his passion for skiing, swimming, hiking, cooking, and traveling. Jim’s world revolved around his family. There was nothing more he liked to talk about than the growth, talent and success of his two girls which included sports, art, music, languages and academics. He was a most dedicated advocate in his daughter’s lives, cheering them on at sports events, reading over their homework and displaying their art wherever he found space. He was an extremely proud father who found his family to be his greatest joy in life. And while his family may have pretended to not appreciate his many silly “Dad” jokes, these, along with his whistling, singing, sunny demeanor, and always smiling face, are what will be missed most of all.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, older brother Richard Keidel, and lifelong friend Peter Mahr. He is survived by his wife Cantrece, daughters Kloe and Phoebe, sister Jane Keidel Rosen and her husband (Steve), sister-in-law Paula (Kienzle) Smith and her husband (Richmond), brother-in-law Brian Kienzle and his wife (Beverly), in addition to many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will miss him dearly.

A Memorial Service in Celebration of James’ Life will take place on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at 2:00 PM at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church; 353 Main Street, Ridgefield, CT. Following the memorial service, family and friends may gather in St. Stephen’s North Hall. Interment will take place privately.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to St. Stephens Church or performing an act of kindness in honor of James.

Kane Funeral Home, Ridgefield is in care of arrangements.