View Video Tribute James W. "Mort" Mortimer, 72, of Keokuk, IA, died Tuesday, March 27, 2007 at the River Hills Village in Keokuk, IA. He was born on January 28, 1935 in Keokuk, IA, the son of Percy Pat and Flossie Lloyd Mortimer. On June 6, 1959, James was united in marriage to Mary E. Hartsfield in Elgin, IL. She survives. Other survivors include three sons, James E. Mortimer, David P. Mortimer and Gary D. Mortimer all of Keokuk, IA, two daughters, Debra K. Cook and her husband Christopher and Janet S. Payne and her husband Jamie all of Keokuk, IA, sixteen grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, two half-brothers, Mike O'Shea and his wife Sue of Kahoka, MO and Joe O'Shea and his wife Holly of Keokuk, IA, two half-sisters, Dina Meinhart and her husband Jim and Sally Hauff and her husband Dwayne all of Keokuk, IA. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Mary Grimes and Patricia Moore, one half-brother, Andrew O'Shea and one niece, Kitty Grimes. James was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps and proudly served his country during the Korean Conflict. He had been employed at the Dial Corporation in Ft. Madison, IA for twenty-five years, retiring in 1997. He also had owned and operated Morts Lockshop in Keokuk, IA for twenty one years until his health failed. He was a member of the VFW Post 3508 and the American Legion Post #42 in Keokuk, IA, and the U.F.C.W. Local #617. Mort was devoted to his family and treasured the time he was able to spend with them. He enjoyed locksmithing, bowling, all outdoor activities, and carpentry. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinal fan and listened to every game of the season on the radio. He also enjoyed reading Western novels. Funeral services were held at 1 p.m., Friday at the Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk, IA with Pastor Dale Thomas officiating. Burial with military rites was in the Keokuk National Cemetery.