James E. Dean, 60, of Keokuk, IA died Monday, December 10, 2007 at his home following a brief illness. He was born April 6, 1947 in Tuscula, IL the son of Elbert and Alfreda Comer Dean. On December 24, 1992 James was united in marriage to Helen Marie Cosper in Alabama. She survives. Other survivors include his mother and step-father, Alfreda and Paul Carson of Rolla, MO, two sisters, Debbie Ann Howell and Mary Jane Dean both of Rolla, MO, one brother, Paul Richard Dean of Rolla, MO and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Elbert Dean. James was a veteran of the United States Army and proudly served his country during the Vietnam War. He had been employed as a conductor for the Keokuk Junction Railroad for the last 10 years. James was of the Baptist faith. A memorial service will be held at a later date at the Anutt Baptist Church in Anutt, MO. There will be no local services. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society for cancer research.